Forest Green left it late to secure a point at home to Scunthorpe United thanks to James Balagizi's stoppage time goal.

Declan Howe's second minute strike was ruled out by Balagizi's last-gasp effort as Rovers remained unbeaten in the National League.

Scunthorpe got themselves in front in the opening exchanges with Howe nodding home from close range following a corner.

Tom Knowles almost got the equaliser soon after following some good work by Kyle McAllister on the right, but his effort hit the outside of the post.

Nick Haughton went close with an audacious strike on the edge of the area but Rory Watson clawed his effort away from the top corner.

Just before the break McAllister's low effort was saved brilliantly by Watson after Knowles delivered a low cross but the Iron shot-stopper did enough to keep the visitors in the lead at the break.

Half-time: Forest Green 0-1 Scunthorpe United

Laurent Mendy sent across an inviting cross for half-time substitute Harry Cardwell but he glanced just wide of the far post.

Scunthorpe created a couple of openings soon after - Luke McNicholas making two fine saves to deny Carlton Ubaezuonu and Dan Whitehall.

Yahya Bamba forced Watson into a fine low stop, with Jayden Clarke and Kyle McAllister also having low driven strikes saved by the Iron number one.

Rovers pressed late on with Knowles going close on a couple of occasions before Balagizi scrambled home a late equaliser following a free-kick.

Full-time: Forest Green 1-1 Scunthorpe United

Forest Green: McNicholas, Kengni (Bamba 45), Pemberton (Cardwell 45), Inniss, Kanu (Walker 72), Mendy, Whitwell, Haughton (Clarke 58), Knowles, McAllister, Mitchell (Balagizi 81)

Subs not used: Pagel, Moore.

Scunthorpe United: Watson, Evans, Boyce, Howe (Ubaezuonu 56), Beestin (Eze 78), Whitehall (Beck 71), Roberts, Rowley, Ewing, Scales, Denton.

Subs not used: Johnson, Brogan, Dawson, Chadwick.

Attendance: 1,963 (280 away)