Match Report | FGR 3-2 Halifax Town

Forest Green came from behind to pick up all three points in the 2026/27 Enterprise National League season opener against FC Halifax Town.

It wasn't quite the start Robbie Savage was hoping for as the visitors took the lead through Will Flint after nine minutes.

Rovers levelled things early in the second half with new signing Filozofe Mabete heading in FGR's first league goal of the new campaign in GL6.

Sean Etaluku also netted his first for The Green Devils, with a fine curling strike to complete the turnaround.
Kyle McAllister made sure of the points late on in the second half by adding a third.

First Half:

It was a tough start for Rovers, and Halifax took an early lead as Ben Tollitt’s cross caused trouble in Rovers’ box, which forced Luke McNicholas into a save, before Flint was able to find the back of the net.

Rovers reacted well and pushed for an equaliser with an effort from James Berry firing off the post after 16 minutes. 

Emeka Obi was forced off after 37 minutes with a horrible-looking injury; Tate Campbell came on in his place.

Kyle McAllister then came close to an equaliser in the 44th minute, but his effort from outside the box was kept out by the visiting ‘keeper, True Grant.

Half Time: FGR 0-1 FC Halifax Town

Second Half:

Robbie Savage’s side started the second half much better and were back level just three minutes in.

New signing Mabete got on the end of McAllister’s cross and headed home an equaliser, beating Grant in the Shaymen goal.

Rovers then went ahead just before the hour mark with Sean Etaluku netting his first in green; brilliant footwork on the right from the winger and the finish was even better, as it curled past Grant.

Mabete could’ve had his second and Rovers’ third in the 62nd minute, but the ‘keeper was equal to his effort.

Forest Green then finally added a third in the 79th minute with captain McAllister. The Scottish Wizard got in on the act; the visitors' attempted clearance could only find the Rovers’ skipper, who swept the ball into the bottom left corner in front of the South Stand.

John McGrath’s side pulled one back in stoppage time through Zak Gilsenan with a fine free kick, but it had no impact on the outcome.

Rovers are back in action next Saturday with a trip to the South Coast to take on Worthing.

The next match at The New Lawn is in a fortnight when Boreham Wood visit for an early kick-off.

Full time: FGR 3-2 FC Halifax Town

The Teams:

FGR: McNicholas, Clarke, McAllister (C), Mellor (Rees 56’), Berry (Kengni 56’), Patrick (Osude 56’), Ewing (Kelly 78’), Etaluku, Obi (Campbell 37’), Agina, Mabete

Subs not used - Ross, Haughton

Halifax: Grant, Bardell, Conte, Hugill, Hobson (Crowe 78 ’, Warburton 84’), Flint, Carty (Morgan-Smith 64’), Gilsenan, Douglas, Tollit (Allen 64’), Johnson (C) ( Trusty 84’)

Subs not used - Johnson, Kawa

Attendance - 1738 (128 away)