FOREST Green Rovers' striker Kurtis Guthrie has completed a transfer to Football League side Colchester United.

The League Two newcomers have paid an undisclosed fee for the 23 year old front man who departs after a two-season stay at The New Lawn.

Forest Green exercised an option to extend Guthrie's stay into a third season back in May, however the club agreed to let the Jersey-raised striker join the Essex club after they met Rovers valuation.

Guthrie signed for Forest Green in May 2014 and made his debut coming off the bench against Chester.

With the 21-year-old initially behind Jon Parkin and Lee Hughes in the pecking order he had to bide his time before making his first start against Gateshead in his 11th outing.

Guthrie eventually broke his scoring duck in fine style on his 16th appearance, completing a 79th minute brace that saw Rovers come from 2-0 and 3-1 down to draw 3-3 away at Torquay.

That seemed to spur Guthrie on and he went on to start 25 games during the remainder of the campaign, finishing with eight goals from 46 games in all competitions – including starting both play-off semi-finals against Bristol Rovers.

The 2015-16 season began in record-breaking style for Forest Green and Guthrie played his part, starting in all but one of the nine straight wins Rovers enjoyed and scoring twice. By the turn of the year, Guthrie had played 28 times in all competitions including 23 starts, and scored eight times.

Four goals during the remainder of the campaign saw Guthrie finish the season with 12 goals and 7 assists from 46 games in all competitions – including starting the play off final at Wembley Stadium.

Guthrie leaves Forest Green having scored 20 goals from 92 appearances in all competitions.