Ground: The New Lawn Stadium (capacity 5141)
Location: Nailswoth, England
Ticket price: £23 - Purchase online or at the ground
Gloucestershire. Picturesque hills, fields of green etched onto the ears of idyllic roadsides, 18th century stone farmhouses with tractors taking a leisurely stroll down the lanes on a quiet Saturday morning, it reminded me of what an outsider’s perception of England may look like. This county plays host to today’s visit – Forest Green Rovers, the only carbon-neutral stadium in the world and the one ground every away day trek-doer dreads.
Despite what some may think, Forest Green Rovers have been around for quite a number of years, dating back to 1889, the club embarking on their journey first in the Mid Gloucestershire League, before competing in other leagues within the county for the bulk of their existence. It was only under Ecotricity founder and current owner Dale Vince that the club started to become a household name. The green-energy tycoon made a number of drastic changes to the club, such as removing food stalls selling meat, using organic fertilizer on the pitch, as well as prohibiting meat from players’ diets. Another more controversial change was changing the kit design. Before 2011/12, the club played in white shirts, which had been their colour they’d used since the day of their founding. Vince, upon taking control of the club, changed the design to green and black stripes. This change, understandably so for their army of supporters, caused great furore and disdain. Personally I think it looks pretty neat. The kit is made out of recyclable materials.
The club are located in Nailsworth, a tiny town and the smallest settlement host to a team in the EFL. There really isn’t much to see outside a rather neat looking clock tower in the town square. Regular buses go to the ground from the town centre, however I would recommend going with someone who has a vehicle as that's by far the most convenient method of getting to the New Lawn stadium.
Going into the game, FGR were rooted to the bottom of the table with seven points. Ben Garner’s Colchester were precariously sat just three points above them. With points at stake and both managers under pressure, this is a game that could either be a fiery clash between two teams determined to get the victory in what could end up being a relegation six-pointer, or a stalemate draw between two teams low on confidence.
My first impression when I got to the New Lawn is that this is a club unlike any I’ve been to thus far in the EFL. This was a fully-professional club, who were due to play the likes of Tranmere and MK Dons during their League 2 campaign, but the mood around the ground still seemed to be that of a non-league club, which I mean in a positive way. There was a strong semblance of community spirit within the ground; old fans who have been supporting their club before Vince took over with new fans flocking to see this unique club from afar. Whoever you were, you were made to feel like a supporter and not just part of another attendance figure. A live band were playing Oasis and Arctic Monkeys covers inside a pitch tent. A vegan bacon sandwich stall were offloading their produce for free, and an army of FGR supporters were proudly waving their flags aloft whilst wearing their striking green and black kit.
Inside the ground, you could buy Quorn Nuggets and chips and a can of water for £1.20(!!) as well as vegan burgers and pies. Troy Deeney, the former Watford striker, was signing autographs for the score of kids surrounding him.
Overall, this was a pretty bombastic affair. Goalkeeper Tom Smith, a stand-in for the in on-loan Palace keeper Owen Goodman (who I believe was on duty with the England U20 side) had a pretty shocking game, fumbling a low shot to allow Callum Morton to open the scoring and again for the third goal, not guarding his near post. That said, Smith was arguably their best player, such was the lethargy on display from the 10 or so men in front of him. Forest Green didn't have to be at their best and the sending off of Jay Mingi (who had made numerous fouls in the first half and gave away possession far too cheaply for the opener. No idea why he wasn't whisked off at half time) helped their cause massively, but some of their play was easy on the eye.
I do remember seeing a post criticising Troy Deeney's influence on the pitch (or lack thereof), however, he showed that whilst his touch and technique may have deserted him, his game intelligence had not, and he made numerous smart plays throughout; two of which led to good chances for the home side.
Kyle McAllister was the player that impressed me the most, a tricky winger with an eye for goal. His decision making let him down at times but there's no doubt in my eyes that there's talent in those wee Scottish legs. His goal was well taken too - a low drive into the far corner after he found himself a nice pocket of space.
As I was walking out of the ground, I was handed a free pack of vegan bacon made by a French company ‘La Vie’, the same produce used in the free vegan bacon sandwich I had. Honestly, the match experience was top notch and despite how much of a ball-ache it is to get here, I will definitely be coming back.
A crowd of just over 2,600 does sound pretty alarming for a League Two game - not the fault of the supporters as New Lawn was packed to the rafters, but the stadium definitely needs an expansion or even a new one built. Apparently, Vince is looking into the latter and I think it’s something that’s needed if FGR are to become a mainstay in the EFL which, judging by that performance, they could easily be. Hopefully this result will spark a good run of form for the Rovers.
Forest Green Rovers 5-0 Colchester United 14/10/2023
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