Forest Green Rovers edged Worthing 2:1 at the Stadium Sussex Transport Community in the National League's second regular season fixture. The visitors took a slight advantage through J. Osude before the hosts fought back to level, only for R. Rees to find the winner late on.
T. Jenks opened the scoring in the second minute, a early blow that set the tone for Worthing's approach. The home side pushed forward with purpose, creating chances through sustained pressure. By then, Forest Green had settled into their defensive shape and were looking for opportunities on the break.
The second half brought changes from both managers. Forest Green introduced D. Mellor and O. Ewing at the interval, and the move paid immediate dividends. Osude scored in the 57th minute, capitalising on a moment of transition. F. Mabete picked up a yellow card for Worthing in the same period as the momentum shifted.
Worthing refused to concede defeat. Rees equalised in the 84th minute, and the home crowd sensed a point was coming. And here's the thing — Forest Green held their nerve. Rees's goal proved to be a false dawn when the visitors struck again almost immediately to seal the result.
The statistics tell a story of contrasting approaches. Forest Green registered 123 attacks compared to Worthing's 85, and their 11 corners to four reflected that dominance. Both teams shared possession equally at 50 per cent, but the visitors were more clinical with seven shots on target to three.
Worthing move to 16th place with seven points from six games, while Forest Green climb to 13th on nine points. The hosts have won three of their last five matches, showing resilience despite this setback. Forest Green's victory extends their ability to compete at this level, though they have yet to find consistency in draws.