Cheltenham 2-1 Forest Green

FOREST Green fell to a narrow defeat against rivals Cheltenham Town in the Central League.

Rovers included first team players Reuben Reid, Shawn McCoulsky, Nathan McGinley, who captained the side, Issac Pearce, Ben Liddle, Udoka Godwin-Malife and keeper Lewis Thomas. 

The hosts scored a goal in each half before academy striker Dan Ogunleye pulled one back late on for Rovers from the penalty spot but it wasn't enough.

Will Dawes gave Cheltenham the lead after eight minutes when he latched onto a loose ball, drove towards goal and fired a shot into the top left corner.

Cheltenham doubled their advantage on 52 minutes.

A corner came into the Rovers area and was headed goalwards by Matt Bower and although his effort was well saved by  Thomas, Tom Handley reacted quickest and smashed in the rebound.

Forest Green were given late hope when a trialist was brought down in the box.

Ogunleye stepped up and found the back of the net from the spot.

In the end, the Robins held on despite a bit of late pressure from Rovers.