Rovers returned to the summit of The Enterprise National League this afternoon after beating strugglers Gateshead 3-1 at The New Lawn.
Forest Green took control early, scoring three first-half goals through Buyabu, Babalola and Clarke.
Rovers dominated after the break, creating multiple chances but were repeatedly denied by Gateshead goalkeeper Brooks. Despite several near misses, Gateshead held on and scored a late consolation through Butterfield.
First half:
The opening ten minutes of the first half were fairly even, with Gateshead having the first effort on target in the 5th minute, with Josh Home testing Harry Isted. However, all was to change after Jili Buyabu opened the scoring for Rovers in the 12th minute, tapping home a saved effort from Jayden Clarke. Isted was called into action only six minutes later, excellently scooping an oncoming Kian Pennant.
Temi Babalola doubled Rovers’ lead on 25 minutes and grabbed his third Rovers goal, guiding a sweetly timed Nick Haughton corner homeward in front of a packed-out North Stand.
Rovers had more chances late in the first half, with Buyabu and Clarke combining well on several occasions to create opportunities for the relentless Greens. Isted was called into action again, pulling off two fine saves to deny Gateshead’s Butterfield and Adom only ten seconds later.
Just one minute after that, however, Rovers found themselves three up with a deep Kyle McAllister ball to the on-running Jayden Clarke. Finding himself in a foot race with the Gateshead defender, Clarke did extremely well not to go down under pressure and smashed the ball over Brooks to send Rovers into a deserved lead at the break.
Half-time: Forest Green 3–0 Gateshead
Second half:
Rovers once again started the second half as they ended the first, with numerous chances falling to players to go four up.
Clarke drove forward at the retreating Heed; however, his effort was well saved by Brooks. Harvey Bunker also wanted a piece of the action, with his header hitting the upright only a minute later in the 56th minute.
Brooks denied Bunker again after the holding midfielder struck from long range. The effort caused Brooks problems, and he could only fumble it out for a Rovers corner. Brooks would then pull off some outstanding saves to keep the Tynesiders from capitulating on 71 minutes. Haughton, Babalola and Whitwell were all denied in quick succession.
Gateshead denied Rovers again in the 77th minute, clearing a Temi Babalola header off the line after Neil Kengni’s cross. Christian Doidge then had a chance to finally put the game to bed, rising excellently after a Whitwell cross, but his header went the wrong side of the post.
Gateshead pulled a consolation goal back in the 5th minute of injury time after Jacob Butterfield struck superbly well to beat the outstretched Harry Isted. It proved to be the last kick of the game, with Rovers finally returning to the summit of the National League.
Full-time: Forest Green 3–1 Gateshead
Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Kanu, Mendy, Knowles (Pemberton, 69), Buyabu (Kengni, 68), Bunker, Haughton (Moore, 74), Whitwell, McAllister (c) (Dausch, 82), Clarke, Babalola (Doidge, 81).
Subs not used: Pagel, Bamba.
Gateshead: Brooks, Melbourne (Lowery, 88), Williams, John, Ferguson (c), Home, Edwards (Telford, 79), Chapman (Bone, 89), Butterfield, Adom (Gettins, 79), Pennant (Hurst, 59).
Subs not used: Leech, Fitzhugh.
Attendance: 2386 (40 Away)
