Forest Green Rovers were denied all three points following a late Tamworth equaliser to draw 1-1 at The Lamb Ground on Boxing Day.

Steve Cotterill named three changes from his side that drew with Aldershot Town on Saturday seeing Liam Sercombe return to the starting XI alongside Joe Quigley and Tom Knowles.

It was an even start to the game, but it was Rovers who looked to take the lead on 21 minutes when Quigley did well to keep the ball in play before finding Kyle McAllister, but his effort was well blocked.

Tamworth went very close on five minutes later, but Jed Ward was on hand to incredibly deny a Chris Wreh curling effort in the top corner.

Rovers continued to hunt for the lead and Tom Knowles went close on 31 minutes, but Jasbir Singh was down quick to stop him before Knowles glanced a header just past the post two minutes later.

Rovers dd finally take the lead on 38 minutes when McAllister shrugged off a defender before cutting onto his right foot to rifle an effort home off the underside of the bar.

The second period saw Rovers start the more threatening and on 63 minutes saw a Liam Sercombe low effort cleared off the line, denying the midfielder a goal on his return from injury.

Tamworth started growing late in the second half, but Christian Doidge almost added a cushion for Rovers on 85 minutes but saw his driven effort stopped by Singh at the front post.

But in the second minute of additional time, Tom Tonks’ long throw was headed home by Dan Creaney to salvage a point for the hosts.

Despite the draw, Rovers extended their impressive National League unbeaten run to 12 games.

Rovers return to action on New Year’s Day when we welcome Yeovil Town to The New Lawn in the National League.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Starting XI - Ward (GK), Long, Inniss, Moore-Taylor ©, Robson, Bunker (Osadebe 54’), May, Sercombe, Knowles (Cardwell 82’), McAllister (Tozer 82’), Quigley (Doidge 82’)

Unused subs - Searle (GK), Lavinier, Omotoye

Player of the Match - Kyle McAllister

Attendance - 1,721 (318 away)