FOREST GREEN (4-2-3-1)

6 Sanchez: Handed the captaincy. Barely had a shot to save, but controlled his area well and dealt with everything that came his way – boss Mark Cooper exonerated him from any blame after Akinde’s opener.

8 Winchester: Forced to play at right-back due to Liam Shepherd’s injury. He shone and always looked to get forward.

7 McGinley: Defensively solid throughout and played his part in the build up to Reece Brown’s equaliser.

5 Gunning: Not at his imperious best after an eye-catching display at Exeter. Culpable for the first goal when Akinde took advantage of hestitation between himself and Sanchez. Failed to block the ball that eventually led to Lincoln’s winner.

7 Mills: Played as an orthodox left-back instead of a wing-back and made a series of surges down the flank – his cross led to Brown’s leveller.

8 Digby: Held things together at the base of midfield and ensured Lincoln’s midfielders saw very little of the ball.

7 James: Worked away diligently throughout in a game Rovers dominated with the ball. 

7 Brown: Always a threat and attacked extremely effectively. Maintained his fine form and scored his third goal in as many games.

6 Grubb: Delivered some useful balls into the box, and retained possession neatly as Rovers enjoyed the upper hand. 

9 Archibald: Afforded a rare start and grabbed it with both hands. Rovers’ biggest threat and always had Lincoln on the back foot.

6 Campbell: Looked to use his pace and clever feet, but was well-shackled.

Match facts

Lincoln: Vickers; Wilson, Bostwick, Shackell, Toffolo; O’Connor, Pett, Frecklington (McCartan 58); Anderson (Gordon 71), Akinde (Green 80), Andrade.

Subs: Wharton, Rhead, Mensah, Slocombe.

Goals: Akinde 8, Gordon 72.

Forest Green (4-2-3-1) Sanchez; Winchester, Gunning, McGinley, Mills; Digby, James; Grubb (Pearce 87), Archibald (Williams 85), Brown; Campbell (Reid 74)

Subs: Montgomery, Rawson, Worthington, Morris

Goals: Brown 12.

Attendance: 8,542

FGR fans: (119 visitors).