It was a weekend of high drama, narrow margins, and unyielding ambition as the Isuzu FA Trophy last-32 round unfolded across England. Fans braved January’s chill to witness some of the country’s most determined non-league sides battle for a coveted place in the fifth round, with Forest Green Rovers and Wealdstone FC among those taking center stage.
Forest Green Rovers, fresh from a challenging National League campaign, traveled to Ebbsfleet United with their sights firmly set on the next round. The match, held on January 10, 2026, drew an enthusiastic crowd of 887 at the home of the Fleet, and those in attendance were treated to a contest brimming with energy and tension.
Ebbsfleet United began the match with a sense of purpose, pressing forward and dictating the early tempo. Their efforts nearly paid off when Finlay Barnes found himself in space on the edge of the visitors’ box, only for Forest Green’s defense to scramble clear under pressure. Dom Samuel, a constant threat for the Fleet, twice came close—first heading Ronny Nelson’s delivery off target, then surging down the left flank and forcing a sharp save from Forest Green’s goalkeeper, Harry Isted.
Isted would soon prove to be the Rovers’ hero. Time and again, he denied the home side, notably thwarting Josh Coley’s curling effort destined for the top corner and standing tall during a flurry of Fleet attacks. “Harry Isted made several key saves,” the club’s post-match report emphasized, and it was clear the keeper’s reflexes played a vital role in keeping the scoreline level during the opening exchanges.
Ebbsfleet’s Toby Edser picked up an early yellow card, adding to the referee’s already high count this season. Yet, the Fleet remained undeterred, with Mustapha Olagunju producing a last-ditch tackle to deny Kairo Mitchell a clear opportunity in the six-yard box. The first half was a tale of missed chances and defensive heroics, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 41st minute. A swift counterattack from Forest Green saw Isaac Moore’s initial shot blocked on the line by Ben Coker, but Moore was quickest to react, slotting the rebound into the bottom right corner to give the visitors a crucial lead.
The second half saw Ebbsfleet introduce Ben Chapman, hoping to inject fresh impetus into their attack. The home side continued to press, with Josh Passley’s header seemingly destined for the roof of the net—only for Isted to intervene once more. Forest Green’s luck held as a close-range effort struck the woodwork, and Maxx Manktelow’s powerful half-volley flashed just wide. Kwesi Appiah came agonizingly close to equalizing with a header from Chapman’s dipping cross, but again, the ball refused to find the back of the net.
As the minutes ticked away, Ebbsfleet threw everything forward. A goalmouth scramble saw Ronny Nelson’s shot smothered by Isted, and Aaron Cosgrave’s breakaway was halted by a timely intervention from Harvey Bunker. The Fleet’s relentless pursuit of an equalizer left gaps at the back, and Forest Green capitalized late on. Abraham Kanu, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a cross following a free-kick and calmly steered his shot past Ebbsfleet’s Jonathan Macaulay, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Rovers and their passage to the fifth round.
“We gave everything out there, but sometimes it just doesn’t fall your way,” said Ebbsfleet manager, reflecting on the performance. The Fleet’s efforts were evident, but Forest Green’s clinical edge and Isted’s heroics proved decisive.
The result means Forest Green Rovers will now feature as draw number 11 in the upcoming fifth round draw, scheduled for January 12, 2026, at approximately 3:15pm. The draw will be broadcast live on TalkSPORT2, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans eager to see who their side will face next. The stakes are high: winning clubs in the fifth round will receive £6,000, while losing clubs will take home £1,750—a significant boost for teams at this level.
Elsewhere, Wealdstone FC prepared for their own last-32 showdown against Dagenham & Redbridge at The Vale. Despite recent frosts and heavy rainfall, the club’s improved drainage system ensured the pitch was in excellent condition, much to the delight of players and supporters alike. The grounds care team, lauded for their efforts, had already demonstrated their worth earlier in the season, allowing a thrilling draw between Wealdstone and Forest Green Rovers to be completed despite torrential rain.
Both Wealdstone and Dagenham & Redbridge entered the fixture seeking redemption after league defeats on January 3—Wealdstone falling to Carlisle United, and Dagenham & Redbridge succumbing to Hemel Hempstead Town. However, both sides had tasted FA Trophy success in the previous round, with Wealdstone edging Cheshunt 2-1 and Dagenham & Redbridge dispatching Hanwell Town 3-1. With a place in the last 16 on the line, the atmosphere at The Vale was electric.
Wealdstone’s management emphasized the importance of fan support, urging the “Stones’ faithful” to turn out in numbers. “Are you up for the cup?” the club asked in their match preview, capturing the sense of occasion. Tickets were priced between £5 and £15, with advance purchases encouraged to streamline entry and help the club plan for the expected crowd.
As the clock ticks down to the fifth round draw, attention also turns to Southend United. The Shrimpers are included in the draw but must first overcome Bath City in a rearranged clash on January 13, 2026, to confirm their place in the last 16. The outcome of that match will determine whether Southend’s fans can dream of further FA Trophy glory this season.
With the fifth round scheduled for Saturday, January 31, the remaining teams are now just a few victories away from a trip to Wembley and the chance to etch their names into non-league folklore. The financial incentives, the prestige of a deep cup run, and the sheer unpredictability of knockout football ensure every remaining tie will be fiercely contested.
For Forest Green Rovers, the win at Ebbsfleet is both a testament to their resilience and a warning to future opponents. Isted’s performance in goal, Moore’s timely strike, and Kanu’s late finish showcased a side capable of soaking up pressure and striking with precision. For Ebbsfleet, the exit will sting, but the manner of their performance—brave, bold, and unyielding—offers plenty of positives as they return to league action.
As the dust settles on an action-packed weekend, all eyes now turn to Monday’s draw. Who will Forest Green Rovers face next? Can Wealdstone continue their cup adventure? Will Southend United secure their spot and keep their dreams alive? The answers will come soon enough, but for now, the magic of the FA Trophy burns as brightly as ever.
