Rovers fell to defeat in Lincolnshire in the late kick-off against Scunthorpe United.
The visitors took an early lead through a well-taken lob by Ricardo Rees, but his opener was cancelled out in the 37th minute when Danny Whitehall converted from the penalty spot.
Rovers then fell behind within the opening five minutes of the second half as midfielder Zain Westbrooke struck a well-hit shot that beat Harry Isted down to his right.
On-loan attacker Jili Buyabu levelled seven minutes later with a thunderous effort from the left-hand side.
It was Scunthorpe who delivered the fatal blow to claim all three points, as Carlton Ubaezuonu fired home in front of the home end.
First Half
Rovers started the first half perfectly, taking the lead inside the opening five minutes after Laurent Mendy’s long ball beat Scunthorpe’s offside trap. The pass found returning striker Ricardo Rees, who calmly lobbed oncoming goalkeeper Rory Mahady to silence the home crowd.
Rees had a fantastic opportunity to double the visitors’ advantage just ten minutes later, but his thunderous effort struck the post after being played through by Kyle McAllister on the left-hand side.
Scunthorpe created their first real chance in the 20th minute, with Zain Westbrooke firing from 20 yards wide of Harry Isted’s left post. Only three minutes later, Rees forced Mahady into a save down to his right after the hosts were dispossessed in midfield.
Rovers captain Laurent Mendy then saw a goal-bound effort headed away in the 35th minute following a McAllister corner. However, it was the hosts who levelled three minutes later after Elijah Morrison fouled Danny Whitehall in the penalty area. Whitehall stepped up and converted, sending Isted the wrong way.
Rovers had a penalty appeal of their own just 30 seconds later when Rees went to ground under contact in the box, but referee Ross Joyce waved away the claims.
Half-time: Scunthorpe United 1–1 Forest Green Rovers
Second Half
The second half began at a frantic pace. Rovers worked a fine move that sent Chibby Nwoko through on goal, but the midfielder opted to cut the ball back and Scunthorpe were able to clear their lines and launch a counter-attack.
The hosts capitalised on that move, taking the lead as Zain Westbrooke drilled a shot from outside the box into the bottom-left corner.
Scunthorpe almost extended their advantage moments later, with Whitehall cushioning a cross into the path of Hurst, who was unable to convert.
Rovers drew level just before the hour mark through the in-form Jili Buyabu, as the Sheffield United loanee emphatically struck past a helpless Mahady into the roof of the net.
The visitors nearly went ahead in the 60th minute, with Buyabu again at the heart of the attack. His whipped cross caused problems for centre-back Brandon Horton, who headed the ball onto the underside of his own crossbar, with it somehow staying out.
The game became increasingly stretched as the half progressed, with the hosts carving out a couple of half-chances. It was Scunthorpe, however, who struck the decisive blow in the 75th minute. Substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu held off Harvey Bunker before twisting and firing into the back of the net in front of the home crowd.
Rovers were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances in the closing stages, and it was the hosts who claimed all three points, leapfrogging Rovers in the table.
Attention now turns away from the league for Rovers, who welcome Wealdstone to The New Lawn in the fifth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday, 31 January 2026.
Full-time: Scunthorpe United 3–2 Forest Green Rovers
Scunthorpe United: Mahady, Barrows (Belehouan,65), Evans, Horton, Denton, Westbrooke, Rowley, Hurst (Smith, 65), Roberts, Ewing, Whitehall (Ubaezuono, 73).
Subs not used: Jones, Starbuck, Howe.
Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Mendy, Kanu, Morrison (Clarke, 82), Mingi, (Knowles, 65), Buaybu, Nwoko, Bunker, McAllister, Babalola (Doidge, 76), Rees.
Subs not used: Pagel, Haughton, Kengni, Pemberton.
Attendance 5,215 (98 away supporters)
