Forest Green made it 12 League Two games unbeaten and opened up a nine-point gap at the top with a 2-0 win over Colchester on Tuesday evening.

Jamille Matt’s 16th goal of the season and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Josh March proved the difference between the two sides.

Rovers were indebted to Luke McGee’s strong glove to deny Alan Judge early on.

But Rob Edwards’ side hit their straps when Regan Hendry’s slide-rule pass released the over-lapping Udoka Godwin-Malife to fizz a ball into Matt who finished with an audacious flick beyond Jake Turner to nose the home side ahead after 15 minutes.

Colchester offered little but veteran Cole Skuse should have done better when shooting wide from the edge of the box.

McGee spared Rovers’ blushes with two smart blocks after the restart and a gloved response from Skuse.

Matt had a goal ruled out for offside and Matt Stevens could not get enough purchase on his header.

Jordan Moore-Taylor’s 90th-minute clearance off the line from Luke Hannant proved pivotal.

March made it game over in added time when he shot home after Tommy Smith squandered possession.

Ecstatic Forest Green boss Rob Edwards admitted he got lost in the moment when celebrating with the fans at the end of the game.

“They (fans) egged me on and I got carried away and lost in the moment, but it was good to soak it up and enjoy it with them at the end,” said Edwards.

The Rovers’ boss felt his side hit their straps from the get-go, adding: “ I thought we controlled long spells of the game. Regan Hendry gave us control in midfield and it was great to see the outside centre-back (Udoka Godwin-Malife) play his part in the goal and it was a neat finish from Jammer (Jamille Matt).”

Edwards also lauded the impact of keeper Luke McGee who made a vital block in the dying embers of the game.

He said: “Luke McGee is really important and doing his job really well and played his part with a decent save at 0-0 and a block at the end of the game.”