Archive - Friday, 9 August 2002


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Forest Green match Rovers but Tait nicks victory

Forest Green Rovers 0, Bristol Rovers 1

A ONE nil pre-season home defeat does not mean much in terms of the result but Forest Green can take a lot from this match in terms of performance.

A goal in the 44th minute by Paul Tait gave the Bristolian side the win but Nigel Spinks side had the chances to draw or win the match.

Forest Green started the match with the versatile Kevin Langan in central-defence and he was exceptional. Langans performance was top class and he will be a vital part of Spinks plans this season.

Spink used club captain Martin Foster, Alan McLoughlin and Gary Owers in central midfield while Simon Futcher was given an orthodox role between the trio and the strikers Neil Grayson and Alex Meechan.

Bristol Rovers started the game in positive mode and left wing crosses from left-back Trevor Challis caused problems in the home penalty box.

Goalkeeper Steve Perrin fumbled one of Challis crosses but the ball was later cleared from the six yard box.

However, Forest Green had a great opportunity to take the lead after 23 minutes.

Good passing in and around the area found the ball at the feet Simon Futcher but his right-footed shot was saved by Ryan Clarke.

Then five minutes before half-time Alex Meechan had a chance from six yards but his shot was taken off his toe and deflected for a corner.

Forest Green were left to rue the missed chances because the visitors took the lead moments before the break when a great delivery from the right by Danny Boxall found Tait and he volleyed the ball past Perrin from six-yards out.

In the second period Foster had a superb free-kick saved by Clarke and Forest Greens club captain also went close with a long range shot.

Clarke came out of his area and cleared the ball with a header and the ball fell to Foster who steadied himself, looked up but shot just wide.

If the shot had been on target the goalkeeper would not have been close to saving it.

Forest Green battled to score the equaliser but had to settle for the one goal defeat. But Spink can take plenty from this game.