VANARAMA CONFERENCE

BRISTOL ROVERS 0

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1

BRISTOL Rovers old boy Danny Coles returned to haunt his former club as his goal saw Forest Green jump into the play-offs after a fully deserved West Country derby day victory.

Bristolian Coles, captaining Forest Green after ex-Gashead David Pipe was dropped to the bench, brought an end to the Pirates unbeaten home record when he nodded the ball past Steve Mildenhall – much to the angst of the partisan Memorial Stadium home crowd.

A wretched day for the Gas saw Daniel Leadbitter red-carded in the 58th minute after tangling with Forest Green winger Kurtis Guthrie.

Former Forest Green striker Matty Taylor fluffed his lines in the 52nd minute when he found himself one-on-one with Sam Russell, but he somehow fizzed over from 10 yards.

In-form Forest Green have now stretchered their unbeaten run to five games and a delighted Forest Green boss Ady Pennock told BBC Radio Glos/FGR Radio: “I love 1-0 scorelines, but we could have had three or four, but we’re in a good place at the moment.”

Forest Green: S. Russell; D. Bennett, E. Oshodi, D. Coles, M. Kelly; J. Norwood (E. Frear 65), R. Sinclair (C. Kamdjo 90), S. Wedgbury, K. Guthrie; J. Parkin, L. Rodgers (C. Jolley 76).

Subs not used: D. Pipe, L. Hughes.

Attendance: 7,014.

Full report, reaction and more match pictures to follow.