Interim Forest Green head coach Jimmy Ball continued his unbeaten start to life at the innocent New Lawn as his side contested an entertaining 0-0 draw with Exeter on Tuesday night.
In a stalemate full of high energy and drama, Forest Green once again looked hungry and a team that appear to be flourishing under new management.
Rovers had a number of penalty appeals waved away by referee Bobby Madley – one for what seemed a clear handball and a trip on Dom Bernard.
Despite his side not claiming all three points, Ball once again praised the application Rovers showed.
He said: “I’m here, four points from two games, unbeaten is alright.
“We seem to have got a lot of spirit back and seem to be having a real fight for each other and the lads are putting in a massive shift so I can’t ask any more of them – they’ve been fantastic.”
Ball has been well received by the Forest Green fans who seemingly are encouraged by his management style and positive demeanour.
He was able to offer a rallying cry to the fans who could potentially be back at the innocent New Lawn if Rovers make the play-off games.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the play-offs, when we get there,” he stated.
“I think we can have fans in for the play-offs so, we will do everything in our power to make sure you get back in this stadium for the play-offs.”
The game seemingly swung in Exeter’s favour in terms of refereeing decisions as it appeared that Rovers had two or three clear penalty shouts ignored – the most obvious being Bernard’s trip in the box.
Ball admitted that he felt they were hard done by but remained positive, as he said: “I’ll have to look back but there were a couple that could have been penalties.
“I think that Dom Bernard one – he’s been trod on. You say an accident but an accident’s a foul, isn’t it?”
After an excellent outing, Nicky Cadden was removed just after 50 minutes and Ball admitted that he wasn’t sure as to whether the Scot is in a fully-fit state.
“I’m hoping it’s just precautionary,” he said. “We haven’t had the chance to assess it so I’m hoping it’s precautionary but truly I don’t know yet.”
Forest Green remain in sixth spot and face a big game away to play-offs chasing Crawley Town on Saturday. (Kick off 3pm)
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