Rovers left dejected (From Gazette Series)

Rovers left dejected

Canvey Island 2 Forest Green Rovers 1

HAVING belatedly kick-started their season with a win at Woking, Alan Lewer's side were brought crashing back to earth by a Canvey Island side that pulled off their first Conference home win of the season.

The memories of Ben Cleverley's goal in the 1-0 win at Woking on Tuesday were swept away by the Islanders who got off to a flying start when Forest Green defender Darren Davies handled in the box for Neil Gregory to sweep home from the spot.

However, Forest Green showed resilience with Jefferson Louis seeing his strike blocked. Nonetheless, Canvey threatened to increase their lead but were denied by Dean Williams and then captain Jon Richardson. Despite this Rovers found parity eight minutes before the break. Matt Gadsby hit home his first Forest Green goal with a fizzing drive that gave Danny Potter no chance.

Disaster struck on 49 minutes for Rovers. Jon Keeling let fly with a stinging right-footed strike to restore the Islanders lead. Prolifigate finishing from Canvey rekindled Rovers' fire with Louis and Charlie Griffin both going close to snatching a point, which failed to materialise.

Forest Green: Williams, Lyttle, Davies (Beesley 65), Garner, Richardson, Roberts, Gadsby, Loxton (Rogers 63), Cleverley, Griffin, Louis. Subs Not Used: Green, Greaves, Holloway. Booked: Roberts, Gadsby, Beesley. Goal: Gadsby 39. Att: 356. Ref: D Phillips (Chichester) Rovers welcome Morecambe to The Lawn on Saturday (3pm)