It was manager Dietmar Hamann’s first game in charge after his summer arrival and fittingly he sent out a team which included 10 debutants.
And after two successive relegations even the result – a deserved point away from home – was foreign.
Six of the squad – Jon Routledge, Nabil Bounab, Keigan Parker, Ryan McCann, Tom Elliot and Carl Piergianni – only officially became County players last week.
Only keeper Matt Glennon had ever played a competitive game for the Hatters previously and even he wasn’t at the club this time last year.
Some 464 fans made the near three-hour trip down the M5 to Gloucestershire to be part of the new era.
The stadium announcer at the New Lawn promised them a warm welcome – even if they couldn’t enjoy a pre-match meat pie. After a takeover by green energy tycoon Dave Vince, Forest Green play in the most eco-friendly stadium in the world and there’s no red meat on sale in the ground.
The travelling Hatters fans were reminded at every opportunity just how far they’ve fallen with chants of ‘You’re not famous anymore’ bellowing out from the home fans behind the goal.
But there has been a sense of cautious optimism at Edgeley Park since Tony Evans turned County from ‘have-nots’ to ‘haves’ during the summer.
But it took just 20 minutes for the reality of how difficult it will be to escape the Blue Square Premier to become clear.
The impressive James Rowe swung in a free-kick from the right and Reece Styche rose unmarked to head past Glennon. New County, same old problems.
Only a terrific save from Glennon to deny Styche prevented County falling further behind before the break.
It proved an important save and after the interval County were much the better side.
Ryan Fraughan’s mis-hit cross hit the bar and 10 minutes from time Nick Chadwick headed in a deserved equaliser.
“It was probably a fair result,” said Hamann. “If anything we probably should have nicked it. If there was another goal you always fancied us to get it.
“It was disappointing to go a goal down but we had a great reaction in the second half and we could have won it in the end.”
He added: “The boys have been tremendous. The attitude has been fantastic.
“We just have to make sure we keep the momentum going.”
COUNTY: Glennon 7, McCann 6, Holden 6, Hall 5, Bounab 6, Routledge 7, Sheridan 6, Miles 6 (Piergianni 90), Fraughan 7, Chadwick 7, Gritton 6, (Elliot 83). Not used: Ormson, Halls, Parker.
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No worries Hatters,with Hamaan at the helm, promotion is a realistic prospect
good luck.
Encouraging second half performance full of steel and passion. A completely new squad will take time to gel. If we can stay with the pack into the second half of the season we might just flirt with the play-offs. Great turn out and noise from the County fans. They never cease to amaze me!
Is this a record ? 12 players (inc 2 subs) making their debut in 1 match. In my lifetime of watching County, I certainly cannot remember this happening before. This fact was reflected in the 1st half, when we had the same old problems in defence, let's face it, I bet they're not on first name terms yet, but in the second half, we bossed it and could have took all 3 points. A few dodgy decisions by the ref didn't help either, their goal came from a free kick after their player had tripped himself up, and how they wern't down to 10 men after that elbow, I don't know. The ref must have seen the gash to Sheridans cheek and the guy never even got booked. Anyway, mustn't grumble, a fair result I suppose, I watched the game thanks to the wonders of technology, but Tues and Sat I will be there in person, to see us, hopefully, top of the league, Dave in Spain.
19 titties predicted 4-0 to FGR, slightly wrong there sonny, let's have some more, you are obviously very talented.
Somehow not surprised at the slow start but heartened by the 2nd half turnaround. I think McConville is a difference maker so look forward to his return. Not a knock on the team but I just think they are a better team with him playing. County fans, What can you say about them? I expect, barring a slew of bad injuries, that the team will get better as the season progresses but the fans are already on top form.
Come on County :)
Has the season started !!!!!!!!!!!!! Whats the next league below this one better get the map out for directions ,same old same old Yawn Yawn