City 2 Forest Green Rovers 1
City clinch a late victory in extra time to ensure their Emirates FA Cup adventure continues. Jayden Stockley bagged a late winner in front of the Big Bank to set up a third round tie against West Bromwich Albion at St James Park.
After falling behind to a Christian Doidge penalty in the first half, Jordan Tillson’s dismissal reinvigorated City as Pierce Sweeney and Stockley both fired home to seal the comeback on a memorable night for the Grecians.
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Paul Tisdale made five changes to the side that suffered defeat against Colchester United over the weekend with Craig Woodman, Jordan Tillson, Liam McAlinden and Stockley entering the starting line-up. New recruit Dan Seaborne also made his first start since his return to City.
City dominated the opening minutes and nearly took an early lead when Liam McAlinden latched on to Craig Woodman’s long ball forward to send him through on goal, but the striker’s effort was well-saved by Rovers keeper Bradley Collins.
Moments later, the hosts had another opportunity when Jordan Tillson marauded his way into the visitors’ box before teeing up McAlinden at close-range but the Rovers defence did enough to prevent his attempt from heading goal bound.
Rovers then started to gain a foothold on the game as they went on to enjoy the lion’s share of possession in the opening half. Their first chance of the evening came when Daniel Wishart darted into the City box and laid the ball off to Toni Gomes at the back post before the Liverpool loanee sliced his shot narrowly wide.
The visitors eventually made their possession count when Jordan Stevens expertly weaved a through-ball into the path of Christian Doidge who won a penalty after he was tugged back by City skipper Jordan Moore-Taylor. Doidge then converted from the spot with his effort squeezing underneath Christy Pym to break the deadlock before half-time.
City were reduced to ten men after the break when Jordan Tillson, who had already been booked, received his marching orders after hacking down Gomes as he made a burst down the left wing.
Rovers immediately looked to capitalise on their man advantage by applying heavy pressure on the City backline. Doidge nearly doubled Rovers’ lead when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box, but his curling effort was parried over the bar by Pym.
Tisdale then looked to re-shuffle the City pack with a quarter of normal time remaining as Ryan Harley and Kyle Edwards entered the fray.
This double substitution proved vital for City as Edwards was fouled inside the Rovers box soon after his introduction to earn City a penalty. Pierce Sweeney stepped up and nestled the ball into the bottom corner to level the scores and set up a grand finale at SJP.
A tight period followed Sweeney’s equaliser, with neither side able to find a clear sight at goal. But with minutes remaining, Moore-Taylor made a vital block to prevent Scott Laird’s cross from meeting Doidge at the back post. The resultant corner led to a goal line scramble but the City defence stood their ground to send the game to extra time.
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