FOREST GREEN manager Mark Cooper felt his side should have come away with all three points against Sutton United on Tuesday, August 9, after the title-chasers spurned a one-goal lead on the night.

“First 25-30 minutes, I thought we played really well and we should have been more than 1-0 up,” he said.

Rovers looked in good display in the early stages of the game, but they allowed their opposi- tion to get a head of steam and eventually the impetus shifted after the break which led to Sutton’s equaliser.

“We lost a bit of control and got a bit excited, playing end-to end, trying to kill the game off, and kept getting caught on the counter attack.

“That’s something we’ve got to try and nail down.

“Second-half, we panicked a little bit.

“We didn’t have enough people taking responsibility and con- trol.

“We tried to win the game, however, and had the chances near the end.

“But some of the stuff I’m pleased with.

“You can see there are signs of what we’re trying to do, but we need to be a little bit better.

“Second-half, we needed to be patient.

“We knew they would sit back and hit us on the break.

“We fell straight into their trap too many times and with the players we’ve got that shouldn’t happen.

“We’ll go back to work before the weekend and get ready for Gateshead (Saturday, August 13 at 3pm).

In addition to making five changes to the squad, manager Mark Cooper reverted to four in the defence for the Sutton clash, after having lost to Boreham Wood in their National League opener with a three-man backline.

“I wanted to stiffen it up a little bit. I said to the players not to get down if they’re not in the team as there’s lots of games to come,” he revealed.

Cooper did lavish praise on new-boy Mohamed Chemlal, adding: “We need one or two more players to take the bull by the horns as Chemlal has.

“He’s been our best player for two games.”

There was bad news for Forest Green as Charlie Clough went off injured with a shoulder problem and his manager revealed it could be a month before he returns.

“Charlie Clough is not good. He’s popped a ligament in his shoulder and the usual diagnosis is three to four weeks.”

Forest Green’s poor start to the new season sees them with just one point from a possible six in the National League, but there are still 44 more games to play.

Rovers have a chance to finally get their first league win under the belt this campaign when they play host to Gateshead.