Forest Green bounced back from Wednesday’s loss to Southend in spectacular fashion as they brushed aside Colchester United 3-0 on Saturday evening.

Two first half goals from Jamille Matt and a dubious first ever league goal from Udoka Godwin-Malife proved vital in claiming a much deserved three points.

On the stroke of half-time however, Ebou Adams was shown a straight red card for Forest Green after a rash challenge on Josh Doherty.

Forest Green manager Mark Cooper was delighted with his team’s performance and their ability to bounce back from the disappointing loss on Wednesday evening.

He said: “I’d give them at least 15, 16 out of 10.

“I picked a team that had a lot of energy, a lot of pace in it, not a lot of height at the back so we had to be aggressive in our defending and I think it was important as a staff we didn’t panic after the Southend game on Wednesday – it would have been the easiest thing in the world to panic and we didn’t, we trusted the players, I certainly trust the players.

“We knew we’d get a response and they were magnificent, all of them. Fair play to them, they’ve answered a few questions today – not from me but I’m sure for a lot of people.”

Forest Green’s Adams was shown a red card for the second time this season and Cooper admitted it was a needless mistake made by the midfielder.

“With his experience and there’s 20 seconds until half-time and we’re two-nil up, you don’t have to make the tackle,” he added. “I can see why the referee has panicked and sent him off but it’s silly from Ebou and he is now ruled out for four games because that’s his second sending off.”

Cooper also confirmed that they won’t be appealing the decision, as he said: “We’ll have no chance of winning that.”

As Nicky Cadden was one of two players brought off at half-time, Cooper was able to explain his decision on replacing the Scotsman.

“Cadden tweaked his hamstring, I don’t think it’s a bad one and he may miss one or two games,” he insisted. “I think certainly the Stokes and the Cadden injuries are certainly results of the pitch at Newport. Having spoken to the Newport staff they said ‘be careful in your next few games because you’ll pick up some injuries’ – we have.”

The win sees Forest Green remain in second place in the League Two rankings and they next face a trip to Stevenage on Tuesday night (kick off at 19:00).