Forest Green Rovers were denied victory in dramatic fashion at Sutton United after conceding in the third minute of stoppage time to draw 3-3 at Gander Green Lane on September 27, 2026.

The result followed a battling performance in which Forest Green twice built a two-goal advantage. The visitors eventually saw their lead disappear late on, with Sutton completing a comeback deep into added time.

Forest Green lead despite sending-off

Jayden Clarke opened the scoring for Rovers, with the source describing his display as outstanding. Substitute Oli Ewing then found the net before captain Kyle McAllister added a third, putting Forest Green 3-1 ahead.

Forest Green had to manage the game with 10 players after Freddie Sass was sent off in the 52nd minute. Sass received a second yellow card, leaving Rovers facing Sutton with more than half an hour still to play.

Sutton responded after the dismissal, with Brandon Njoku pulling a goal back. Forest Green nevertheless restored their two-goal cushion when McAllister broke into the area and fired home with 17 minutes remaining.

Sutton complete late comeback

The hosts refused to concede the contest. Charlie Carter struck a sublime volley in the 79th minute, setting up a tense finish for Forest Green.

That pressure eventually produced an equaliser in stoppage time. Temi Babalola headed home in the third minute of added time to complete Sutton’s comeback against his former club and secure a 3-3 draw.

The match gallery published by Stroud Times, featuring photographs by Peter Barnes, captured the action, including an image of Oli Ewing advancing to score.

What happened at Sutton United

  • Venue: Gander Green Lane.
  • Result: Sutton United 3, Forest Green Rovers 3.
  • Forest Green scorers: Jayden Clarke, Oli Ewing and Kyle McAllister.
  • Sutton scorers: Brandon Njoku, Charlie Carter and Temi Babalola.
  • Key incident: Freddie Sass was sent off in the 52nd minute after receiving a second yellow card.
  • Late drama: Babalola equalised in the third minute of stoppage time.

The draw extended a match that Forest Green had appeared to be controlling twice. Rovers’ two-goal lead, the sending-off and Sutton’s late surge combined to produce a 3-3 result described by Stroud Times as dramatic.