In an FA Cup first-round replay, Forest Green Rovers aim to avoid an upset as they host Scarborough Athletic at The New Lawn on Tuesday night.
The initial encounter saw a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer from Olly Sully rescuing Forest Green from a potential loss in North Yorkshire.
Match Overview:
Forest Green Rovers, relegated from League One last season, continue to face challenges, currently sitting 23rd in League Two.
Despite being favorites, they required a late equalizer against Scarborough in the previous clash.
Recent results, including an EFL Trophy loss and a league defeat to Tranmere Rovers, have added to their woes.
Scarborough Athletic, a National League North side founded in 2007, impressed with a 27th-minute lead in the initial encounter, showcasing their ability to compete with higher-tier opponents.
Coming off a 3-1 victory against Alfreton Town, Scarborough aims to extend their three-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Team Form
Forest Green Rovers:
- FA Cup Form: Draw
- All Competitions Form: W, L, W, D, L, L
Scarborough Athletic:
- FA Cup Form: D, W, W, D, W, D
- All Competitions Form: W, W, L, D, D, W
Team News:
Forest Green’s Horseman is likely to make adjustments after the Tranmere defeat, with players like McCann, Robertson, and Jenks expected to return. Omotoye is anticipated to lead the attack.
Scarborough’s Mulhern, the leading scorer, and key contributors like Maloney and Wiles are expected to feature. The lineup may mirror the previous clash against Forest Green.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Forest Green Rovers:
- Belshaw;
- Bernard, Bunker, Welch, Robson;
- Jones, McCann;
- Jenks, Robertson, Maddox;
- Omotoye
Scarborough Athletic:
- Whitley;
- Weledji, Gooda, Qualter, Thornton, Brown;
- Wiles, Maloney, Purver, Colville;
- Mulhern
Prediction: Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Scarborough Athletic
While Scarborough Athletic poses a threat, Forest Green’s quality may tip the scales. Expect a closely contested match, with Forest Green likely to secure advancement to the FA Cup’s second round.
