Second half disaster for Rovers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Second half disaster for Rovers

Nationwide Conference Southport 5, Forest Green Rovers 1 AFTER last week's celebrations of regaining their Conference status Rovers were brought crashing back down to earth when Southport scored four second-half goals to win the match 5-1.

After going into the half-time interval level pegging, Rovers gave a disappointing second-half performance and Southport took advantage.

Nigel Spink re-shuffled his side and included keeper Jason Pearcey and striker Gareth Hopkins, who were in for Steve Perrin and Alex Meechan.

But it was Southport who took an early lead through a deflected effort from Steve Jones. Rovers were forced to make a change on the half-hour mark when Pearcey was taken off after a collision and Perrin stepped off the bench to take his place.

It all looked rosier for Rovers when Mark Cooper equalised from the penalty spot but this was to be the only good point from saturday's match.

In the second-half Southport went on to score four more goals and send Rovers back on a miserable trip back south.

Simon Parke headed in after 47 minutes to make the score 2-1 a Jones header made it three.

Rovers were given hope when Southport keeper Steve Dickinson was sent-off for two bookings but the hosts added a fourthgoal through Lee Elam. Jones completed his hat-trick and the scoring.

Left winger Simon Futcher has agreed and signed a new one year deal with the club. Rovers have already arranged two pre-season friendlies for next season at The Lawn.

On Saturday July 20, Birmingham City will be the visitors in a 3pm kick-off. And Millwall will be the opponents on Wednesday July 30, kick-off 7.45pm.

Both clubs are currently battling in the First Division play-offs for a place in the Premiership next season. They have confirmed they bring their full first teams.