Forest Green recorded a routine 2-0 victory over Cambridge United as fans were welcomed back to the Innocent New Lawn on Saturday afternoon, writes Sam Wiles.

Aaron Collins opened the scoring for Rovers on 58 minutes as he netted for the first time since the end of October.

Ebou Adams was then fouled in the Cambridge box and Jamille Matt converted from the spot to double the host’s lead.

Rovers boss Mark Cooper was pleased with his side’s performance.

“That’s as well as we’ve played all season,” he said speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire. “In my opinion I think that’s our best performance.”

Matt continued his fine run of goal scoring form and he put the game to bed from the penalty spot on 65 minutes.

Cooper was pleased with the desire his forward showed in wanting to take the spot kick.

He said: “What I was really pleased with, is when the penalty was given, he marched straight over and picked the ball up and said ‘I’m having this,’ which I really liked.”

After his consolation goal against Cheltenham Town on Halloween, Collins had not found the net since but ended that drought with his goal against Saturday’s opposition.

When asked if Collins needed that goal to boost his confidence, Cooper said: “I don’t know if he did – I did!

“The analysts tell me his expected goals and his productivity is through the roof but at some point, you have to convert.

“I think it was starting to get to him so hopefully that’ll calm him down.”

Cooper was also able to provide an injury update ahead of Rovers’ trip to Port Vale on Tuesday night.

“(Liam) Kitching isn’t injured and (Carl) Winchester may have an outside chance,” he added. “(Jake) Young could be involved on Tuesday - he has to get his place back in the team because the boys played tremendously well today and that’s what you need.”

Forest Green now sit in fourth spot in the League Two standings as they next face a visit to 14th placed Port Vale.