Forest Green were held to yet another frustrating stalemate against Crawley Town on Saturday as their hopes of automatic promotion have all but ended.

Interim Head Coach Jimmy Ball continued his unbeaten start to life at Forest Green but it was another irksome afternoon of missed chances, with none of Rover’s 19 attempts finding the back of the home side’s net.

Despite that, Ball remained positive that his side stayed alert to the challenge and held on to claim a valuable point on the road.

Speaking to the club’s media, he said: “We haven’t won today, no, but importantly we didn’t lose either.

“The defensive unit stayed focused, concentrated, didn’t get frustrated and made sure we came away with something which is massively important.

“The lads gave everything they’ve got, they’re absolutely devastated to not come away with three (points) but like I say, it’s important that you don’t lose and show that grit and determination to come away with something.”

The temporary boss also commended the togetherness and team spirit that his side are displaying, something that is vitally important as the season nears a close.

“They gave everything, like they have since my first training session,” he stated. “They have to keep going to the well but I think they’re enjoying it, I do think they’re enjoying the challenge and the togetherness, the comradery, the challenge, what we’re trying to achieve. I think they’re enjoying the fight and they’re sticking together which is massively important.”

With the number of chances that Forest Green created during the contest and in previous games, it looks only a matter of time until fortunes change for Ball’s side and he believes that a victory isn’t far away.

He said: “On another day, we score four, maybe five and that’s not exaggerating.

“On another day, that’s put to bed and sometimes in football it won’t go your way – you can’t be babies about it, you’ve got to accept it.

“The way they’re playing football is great, it’s exciting and so they’re looking forward to Tuesday night.”

Rovers’ next game is against relegation threatened Barrow but Ball admitted he is expecting a tough game.

“We’ve got to beat Barrow, we’ve got to face a team on Tuesday night that are fighting for their lives, absolutely fighting for their lives,” he said . “They’re going to come to our place absolutely scrapping for their lives – we have to match them for that and for the desire to compete.”

The match against 22nd placed Barrow will take place at the innocent New Lawn on Tuesday evening. (Kick off 7pm)