Chesham United 0 Forest Green Rovers 0

Forest Green Rovers will have to overcome Chesham United in a replay on Tuesday evening after being held to a frustrating goalless draw in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday.

Rovers dominated large spells of the contest against their sixth tier opponents but could not find a breakthrough, leaving their hopes of reaching the first round proper to be decided in a second meeting.

Despite the disappointment of failing to win, Forest Green coach Josh Bowen was encouraged by his side’s defensive display, insisting they had limited Chesham to very few opportunities.

“We’ve restricted them to literally nothing,” he said. “Long balls, second balls, we didn’t give them a sniff. Luke was basically a bystander in goal.”

The clean sheet was a positive for Rovers after recent defensive struggles against Boston United, Wealdstone and Hartlepool United. However, their inability to turn possession into goals proved costly.

Bowen added: “What has been our issue is keeping clean sheets. We did that today. Okay, we didn’t get the other side of it. That’s the perfect match we’re looking for.”

Forest Green created opportunities throughout the game but were unable to beat Chesham goalkeeper Ben Goode, who produced several important saves to keep the visitors at bay.

Bowen felt his side could have made better decisions in the final third, particularly when opportunities arose to deliver the decisive pass or take a shot.

“Maybe in those final third areas, key details, we created some really good chances on another day,” he said.

“But finer details when we get into those last areas. Can we pick and choose the right pass?”

Chesham also defended resolutely, with their players putting their bodies on the line to preserve the draw and earn another opportunity to progress in the competition.

Bowen acknowledged the challenge posed by the hosts.

“We spoke about that before the game. It’s life or death for them. It’s their cup final. They’re going to put bodies on the line.”

“We need to pick those moments where the shot is right or do we move it one more time. That’s the decision making in the final third that we need,” he added.

Despite the frustration, Bowen backed Forest Green to rediscover their scoring touch, pointing to their ability to create chances.

“We’re a goal scoring team,” he said. “We’re a chance creating team and a little bit of luck, a little bit better decision making and more of that will come.”

The replay gives Rovers another chance to book their place in the FA Cup first round proper, but Bowen insists the team must quickly turn their attention to their next fixture.

“We’ll still go all out on Tuesday,” he said. “A big win on Tuesday is what we need for the group.”

Chesham United: Goode, Lafleur, Young, Rasulo, Kasimu (Oliyide 16), Bennetts (Eze 65), Lacey, Andrews (St Clair-Burton 77), Adebiyi, Roberts (Brown 88), Lench (Babos 82). Subs not used: Fasanmade, Williams.

Forest Green Rovers: McNicholas, Abrefa, Mabete (Ifeanyi 72), McIntyre, Kircough (Sass 46), Clarke, Campbell, Kelly, Etaluku, Patrick (Marquez 83), Mellor (Haughton 60). Subs not used: Ross, Ajayi, Gbadehan.

Attendance: 1,052.