A grand day out as Gardner earns Athletic a point

Dan Gardner grabbed his, and Athletic's, second goal of the season at Forest Green

Almost 1,000 travelling Athletic fans rejoiced as Dan Gardner's successful late penalty kick earned his team their first point of the League Two campaign at Forest Green.

Reuben Reid had given Rovers the lead after 22 minutes at the New Lawn, but Gardner's late leveller earned Frankie Bunn's side the share of the spoils they scarcely deserved.

Athletic had the games first real chance when they won a free-kick on the edge of the box, but Gardner couldn’t hit the target.

Rovers took their opening opportunity after a Sam Graham slip was capitalized upon by Reid and his low effort found the bottom corner.

Chances were few and far between, but Athletic old boy Carl Winchester almost found the top corner as he curled his effort inches wide.

Jose Baxter was introduced at half time and almost immediately got the visitors back into the game as he found himself in space in the box, but his cross was saved well by Robert Sanchez.

Baxter curled an effort wide, before Athletic levelled in the 78th minute when Baxter was brought down by Sanchez, with Gardner stepping up to coolly dispatch the penalty.

Next up, Athletic welcome Derby County on Tuesday night in the EFL Cup first round.