Mills earns Forrest Green share of derby spoils against Cheltenham

Joseph Mills’ second half header earned Forest Green a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Gloucestershire rivals Cheltenham.

The home side trailed at the break after Tyrone Barnett’s first goal of the season put the Robins in front midway through the first half.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was caught in possession by Barnett and the Brighton loanee brought down the striker in the box.

Luke Varney’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Sanchez diving to his right. Barnett, on loan from Port Vale, followed up to open the scoring in the 26th minute.

Sanchez had already made one diving save to keep out an effort from Chelsea youngster Jacob Maddox and the home side failed to test visiting goalkeeper Scott Flinders before the break.

Mark Cooper made a double change at the break, sending on Gavin Gunning and Tahvon Campbell in place of Nathan McGinley and George Williams.

His Forest Green side did show an improvement, but Sanchez had to make one superb reaction save to deny substitute Liam McAlinden.

Rovers levelled in the 75th minute when Theo Archibald’s corner was nodded in by Mills at the near post.