Opening day defeat for Spinks troops (From Stroud News and Journal)

Opening day defeat for Spinks troops

Nationwide Conference Woking 1, Forest Green Rovers 0

A GOAL in the 36th minute by Woking forward Ben Abbey condemned Forest Green Rovers to defeat on the opening day of the Nationwide Conference season.

Rovers manager Nigel Spink started with the line-up that finished the final pre-season matches with the only exception being defender Lee Russell, who was replaced in the side by Jamie Impey.

New signings Neil Grayson, Alan McLoughlin and Gary Owers (who has signed a one year deal at the club) made their Conference debuts.

Grayson, in particular, went closest to scoring for Rovers with a volley and a header but failed to hit the net.

Alex Meechan also had the chance to put Rovers into the lead.

The former Swindon and Bristol City striker got behind the home defence but his shot was saved by Woking stopper Farrelly.

However, it was the home side who took advantage and they went a goal up just after the half-hour mark when Abbey chipped goalkeeper Steve Perrin.

Woking had a superb opportunity to put the result further out of Rovers reach when they were awarded a penalty kick after 55 minutes.

Former Southampton striker Nicky Banger was fouled by Matt Coupe and the referee Mr Yerby pointed to the spot.

Warren Patmore stepped up to take the kick but it was saved superbly by Perrin.

Later in the match, Abbey went close to scoring his second goal of the afternoon but was thwarted by Perrin again.

Rovers attacked in search of the equaliser but it was not to be.

Last night, Rovers played local rivals Hereford United in their opening home match of the Conference campaign.

Neil Grayson gave Rovers the lead with a stunning left foot volley that flew into the top corner of the net but goals from Paul Parry, Ian Wright and Danny Williams gave the visitors the 3-1 victory.

On Saturday, Spinks side will again have home advantage when Southport are the visitors to The Lawn, kick-off 3pm.

Then on Bank Holiday Monday (August 26), Rovers travel to Margate, kickoff 3pm.

Midfielder Rob Cook has returned to The Lawn for one year after playing for Basingstoke Town last season.

Forest Green Rovers will be holding their fun week from Tuesday August 27 to Friday August 30.

This will be their last of the season and for enquiries please ring Darren Perrin at the club on 01453 834860.

Rovers will be staging trials for new youth players this Saturday August 24 at Stroud College.

The club and the college are in partnership and if any players are looking to join this are invited to this weekends trials.