League 2: Salford City 1-1 Forest Green – Stevens breaks Doidge’s record
City of Salford 1 Forest Green Rovers 1
Matty Stevens has written into Forest Green folklore by breaking Christian Doidge’s record for most goals conceded in a league campaign.
Steven’s 21st League goal of the season earned stuttering Forest Green a point in a fierce display at Great Manchester.
Earlier, Rovers found themselves behind again when Jason Lowe’s low cross was returned by former Leeds United striker Matt Smith’s diving header within the opening three minutes.
In form, Salford have entered the game unbeaten in their last four games, with Rovers seeking their first victory in five games.
Rob Edwards’ side struggled to gain a foothold in an anemic first half, but they rallied after the break and earned parity when Ebou Adams kicked a cross ball over the toes of Kane Wilson who arrowed a cross into the box for Stevens to stab past Tom King with 53 minutes on the clock.
Stoppage time was halted when referee Declan Bourne stopped with a cramp,
The Rovers’ tails were wagging and they nearly pinched him to death with the Josh March sub refused in the dying embers of the game as King whipped out a glove to turn his head wide.
Rovers have 12 games to go with seven games at home, starting with Mark Hughes’ Bradford City visit on Saturday.
STATISTICAL ATTACK
City of Salford: King; Lowe, Turnbull, Vassell, Ndaba; Shephard (Lund 84), Kelly, Watson, Hunter (McAleny 46) (Bolton 64); Thomas-Asante, Smith.
Unused subtitles: Torrance, Touray, Loughlan, Love.
Green Forest Routes: McGee; Godwin-Malife, Sweeney, Bernard (Cargill 80); Wilson, Stevenson, Adams, Cadden; Aitchison (McAteer 69); Stevens (Mar 78), Matt.
Unused subtitles: Thomas, Diallo, Hendry, Young.
Starman: Ebou Adams.
Arbitrator: Declan Bourne.
Next : Forest Green welcome Mark Hughes’ Bradford City to the new, fully loaded lawn on Saturday.