Despite an Erin Williams brace Forest Green Rovers Women suffered their first defeat in 2025, losing 3-2 to Sherborne Town ladies following a Chloe Snook hat-trick.
Williams gave Rovers the lead inside 15 minutes. Leilani Ryder chased down a through ball, colliding with the Sherborne keeper who split the ball into the path of Williams to fire into an empty net.
However just two minutes later, Snook was able to level the game for the hosts with a finish from inside the box.
Forest Green continued to threaten, this time Katie Jones’ free-kick fell to Elle Scott on the edge of the area, but her volley couldn’t find the target.
Despite Rovers dominating play at the start of the second half the first chance fell to Sherborne, when they were awarded a penalty on the hour mark.
Snook capitalised with a well struck penalty from the spot to put the Zebras ahead.
Forest Green continued their dominance with Williams playing a clever reverse through ball to Mary Brittain, who fired a low cross into the box where Hattie Jones couldn’t scramble the ball home.
From the resulting corner, Tyra Wilson delivered a perfect ball to the penalty spot where Williams was waiting unmarked and slotted a well-timed volley into the bottom corner.
Snook was given another chance to put the Zebras ahead when the referee pointed to the spot for a second time.
Changing her corner, Snook converted from 12 yards, putting the hosts 3-2 up with just over 15 minutes to play.
Forest Green’s best chance of a third goal came when Williams’ cross was met by Hattie Jones, but her header was saved by the onrushing Sherborne keeper.
Rovers continued to search for an equaliser but to no avail. Their final chance coming from another Wilson corner with five minutes to go.
A failed punch from the Sherborne keeper was headed goalward by Williams, and under challenge Carys Lowley couldn’t flick the ball over her shoulder into an empty net.
FGR: Stiddard, Martin, K. Jones, Lowley, Guise, H. Jones, Brittain (75’ Norwood), Scott, Wilson, Williams, Ryder (57’ Birchley)
Sherborne: Bindon, Eglon, Elliott, Gladwell, Golding, Miller, Narramore, Selby, Snook, Wilkinson, Lilley
Subs: Harmer, Jacks
