Match Report; Forest Green Rovers 1 - 0 Port Vale EFL2
Reuben Reid wasted no time writing his name into the hearts of the Forest Green faithful yesterday, scoring a superb goal from outside the box to pull the West Country side out of the relegation zone.
The home side gave debuts to defensive duo Gavin Gunnings and Farrend Rawson as well as striker Reid and from the off, Rovers seemed like a much stronger side. Port Vale applied pressure from the first whistle, exposing make shift left back Manne Monthe and winning a corner, but Forest Green did well to clear it away. A second corner soon followed and although Port Vale managed their first shot on target, it failed to test goalkeeper Bradley Collins.
Rovers began to push up the pitch and after some impressive play by Reece Brown, were awarded a free kick 25 yards away from goal. The Green Devils have been without a standout set piece taker since the departure of midfielder Liam Noble, and Scott Laird’s attempted cross flew high over the north stand and out for a goal kick. The home side didn’t let up, with both Christian Doidge and Farrend Rawson narrowly missing the chance to open the scoring but neither effort managed to hit the target. Rueben Reid caused problems all over the pitch, directing play when he wasn’t on the ball and creating chances when he was. The target man will feel aggrieved that he wasn’t awarded a number of free kicks in the first half, with the Vale defence clearly tugging on his shirt on multiple occasions. Referee Kevin Stroud turned the other way, keen to let play continue without disruption.
The Valliants weren’t to be deterred and did look threatening with each break. On loan midfielder Marcus Myers-Harness caused havoc down the left-hand side, whipping the ball into the Forest Green Box at every opportunity but ex-team-mate Gavin Gunning did well to clear away any danger. At the halftime whistle the home fans showed their appreciation, eager to see more from their rejuvenated side.
The second half started just as the first had, with Port Vale on the attack. Myers-Harness again escaped the Rovers defence but dragged his shot agonisingly wide. This attack seemed to wake up The Green Devils and after a period of good possession, Reece Brown was unlucky to see his shot fizz over the bar on 50 minutes. The home side had momentum in their favour and 56 minutes, won the first of two corners. Reece Brown crossed into the box and Vale keeper Boots panicked, allowing defender Rawson to get his head on the ball. His effort was cleared off the line and Monthe’s follow up was deflected out for another corner. The second ball was met by Reid who’s effort was tantalisingly close to an opener. Rovers new signing didn’t have to wait too much longer to celebrate his first goal for the club though, as he linked up well with fellow striker Doidge before firing his shot into the top left corner on 61 minutes, causing The New Lawn to erupt. Chants of ‘Reidy, Reidy, Reidy’ echoed round the stadium as Rovers fans anxiously glanced at the clock.
The Green Devils brought on midfielder Dale Grubb shortly after the goal who made an instant impact. Eager to impress on his debut, Grubb chased after ever ball and applied some much needed pressure on the Port Vale players who were desperate to get an equaliser. The Valiants had two chances in two minutes to level the scores, but neither Myers-Harness or Tyrone Barnett could find the back of the net. Rawson then gave Forest Green the chance to go two ahead with a brilliant ball into the box, but Christian Doidge was forced to watch his header drift just wide.
It stayed 1-0 and Forest Green Rovers got three points on the board for the first time since the 18th of November. Forest Green also pull themselves out of the relegation zone, with a game in hand thanks to their abandoned match with Exeter City. Port Vale remain 18th and 10 points clear of the drop zone, but they’ll be disappointed that they didn’t come away with the spoils with Rovers recent form.