Lowly Forest Green edger closer to relegation abyss (From Gazette Series)

Lowly Forest Green edger closer to relegation abyss

Nationwide Conference Forest Green Rovers 1 Northwich Victoria 3

CAN it get much worse than this?

The season seems to be slipping into that black hole called relegation, yet there were brief glimpses during Rovers' second half fight back indicated that out of adversity some hope could yet be found.

It will be needed quick as three first half strikes left Rovers a mountain to climb after the break and while they improved somewhat Northwich were home and dry.

Earlier, it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead in the 14 minute. A shot from Steve Garvey deflected skywards and fell invitingly to Mark Quayle, left unmarked in the box who had times to choose his spot past Dean Williams.

It got worse. A needless free kick just outside the box led to Northwich's second goal on the 29 minutes, John McCarthy sent in a deep free-kick which again Rovers failed to clear giving Mark Foram the time to slam the ball home.

Yet another error gifting the Vics their third goal before the break. Greg Young received the ball before cutting inside and firing low under Williams from an acute angle.

Nonetheless, Rovers looked the better side for most of the remaining 45 minutes. Louis had his effort cleared off the line by Kieron Charnock and Roberts went on a great run evading several tackles before shooting just wide. The balance had swung in Rovers' favour and they finally opened their account in the 62nd minute with the move of the match.

Des Lyttle won the ball deep in Rovers half before splitting open the defence with a pass to Roberts who raced down the right wing. In an instance he sent over the perfect cross and Louis rose above his marker to send his header past Ralph.

Substitute Charlie Griffin soon had the ball into the back of the Northwich net, but his offside strike was disallowed.

Rovers' coach Alan McLoughlin tried to promote some positive spin in the wake of Rover's latest loss. He said: " We are trying to get thing sorted and after we let the players have their say at half-time they certainly put in a better display. We need a break from the league and Thame in the FA Cup will give us that this Saturday".

Forest Green: Williams, Lyttle, Garner, Richardson, Reed, Roberts, Appleby Rogers, Cleverley (Griffin 74mins), Beesley, Lious. Subs not used: Green, Greaves, Holloway, Loxton. Gazette Man-of-the-Match: Stephen Reed. Attendance : 521