Forest Green's late lead overturned in 3-3 thriller at Sutton United

Forest Green Rovers were left to rue two dropped points after a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Sutton United. Having led 3-1 with just over a quarter of an hour to play, Robbie Savage's side conceded twice late on, including a stoppage-time equaliser, to share the spoils at Gander Green Lane.

Jayden Clarke gave the visitors a perfect start, firing home from close range after just ten minutes. Forest Green doubled their lead early in the second half through substitute Oli Ewing, who capitalised on a defensive error. Sutton pulled a goal back through Brandon Njoku on 72 minutes, but the response was immediate. Captain Kyle McAllister restored the two-goal cushion barely sixty seconds later, seemingly sealing the points.

Sass dismissal proves costly

The game turned decisively against Forest Green five minutes after they scored their third. Defender Freddie Sass, already on a yellow card, was shown a second booking for a shirt-pull, reducing his side to ten men for the final 40 minutes. Sutton United took full advantage of the extra man.

Deep into added time, former Forest Green striker Temi Babalola rose to head home at the far post, completing the comeback in the 93rd minute. Savage acknowledged the costly error that changed the game. “He’s made a bad decision and the second yellow card was right,” the Forest Green manager said. He also praised his team's effort, adding, “I thought in the first half we were superb, and then had to battle with ten men for over 40 minutes.”

The result means Forest Green remain 12th in the National League standings with 14 points from their opening ten games. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws and a loss from the last five outings. Attention now turns to a quick turnaround, with Wealdstone visiting The New Lawn on Tuesday.

The draw leaves Sutton United in 18th place with 11 points.

The report in full is at The Non-League Football Paper