CONFERENCE FOREST GREEN 2 HALIFAX TOWN 2

PAUL WANLESS struck twice to earn Rovers another Conference point at The Lawn on Saturday.

An early goal sent Rovers on their way as they dominated the first half, yet Halifax took control after the break gaining a 2-1 lead before Wanless equalised in the closing minutes.

Manager Gary Owers had the luxury of changing his strike force with Zema Abbey and Lewis Haldane starting, whilst Bruno Teixeira and Scott Rendell moved to the bench, midfielder Jon Beswetherick was also a substitute after returning from suspension.

Rovers were on the score sheet within 90 seconds when defender Adam Garner was bundled over on the edge of the box to earn a free-kick.

Wanless stepped up to send a fierce low strike swerving around the protecting wall and buried itself in the bottom right-hand corner.

Abbey was next in action as Rovers pushed for a second, meeting a cross from the right he rose above his marker to send a header crashing against the underside of the crossbar.

Halifax's experienced Peter Atherton limped off on 20 minutes as Rovers continued to dominate, Garner headed inches wide from a corner and another Abbey effort was deflected past the post.

It took the visitors 30 minutes before they had any meaningful attack, then Craig Midgley's long range effort was easily taken by keeper Ryan Clarke. Bright start

The second-half was certainly a different story as Halifax came out with all guns blazing.

Midgley fired over from close range with the goal at his mercy and John Grant headed wide with Clarke well beaten.

However, a quick break saw Halifax equalise on 54 minutes from the penalty spot, Garner bringing Grant down in the box for referee Mr Langford to award the kick.

Midgley sent Clarke the wrong way to the delight of the visiting supporters.

It was no surprise when Halifax took the lead when a quickly taken free-kick caught Rovers cold.

Chris Senior easily firing home from an acute angle.

Owers had seen enough bring on Beswetherick for Luke Graham and Scott Rogers, his first game of the season, to replace Matt Gadsby for the final 15 minutes.

Taking charge Rovers began to take charge again when Alex Meechan's cross found Wanless at the far post and he sent a looping header over a grasping Dunbavin for an 82 minute equaliser.

Owers was satisfied with a point and was delighted by Wanless' contribution.

"I was pleased with the players commitment today, we fell asleep after the break but came back well." he said.

"Paul Wanless is a true professional, what you see is what you get." FOREST GREEN : Ryan Clarke 7, Sekani Simpson 7, Damon Searle 6, Matt Gadsby 6, Jon Richardson (c) 7, Paul Wanless 9, Zema Abbey 8, Adam Garner 6, Alex Meechan 6, Luke Graham 7, Lewis Haldane 7. Subs: John Beswetherick 7, Scott Rogers 6, Bruno Teixeira 6. Not used: Scott Rendell, Ryan Harrison. Star player: Paul Wanless. Attendance: 905.

CONFERENCE

EXETER CITY 0 FOREST GREEN 0

FOREST GREEN ended Exeter City's 100 per cent record in a goalless match of few chances.

Gary Owers side produced a dogged display as the Grecians twice went close through Lee Phillips.

The impressive Zema Abbey produced Rovers' first effort at goal just after the hour mark but his right-foot drive from t inside the penalty area flew wide.

Alex Meechan went close towards the end but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Paul Jones.

FOREST GREEN'S community sponsor scheme will offer all children under 16 the chance to watch this Friday's game with Grays for £1, this applies only to the terrace turnstiles.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

02 Grays (7.45pm).........................H 10 York City (3pm)........................H 17 Kidderminster (3pm)...............A 20 Crawley (7.45pm)......................H 24 Scarborough (3pm)..........................A 27 Gravesend (7.45pm).........................A

FANS interested in travelling to any away games should call Brian Fream on 01453 832858.

Conference fixtures Friday, September 2

Forest Green v Grays Athletic, 7.45pm, Kidderminster v Canvey Island, York v Cambridge Utd.

Saturday, September 3: Accrington Stanley v Woking, Burton Albion v Scarborough, Dag & Red v Exeter, Gravesend v Southport, Hereford v Altrincham, Morecambe v Tamworth, Stevenage v Halifax.