FA Trophy - Rovers draw another tough away trip (From Stroud News and Journal)

FA Trophy - Rovers draw another tough away trip

FOREST Green will visit Nationwide Conference rivals Scarborough or Dr Marten's Premier Division Dover Athletic in the last 16 of the FA Trophy after beating Unibond Leaguers Gainsborough 2-0 on Saturday.

Second half goals from Gary Owers and Neil Grayson ensured Rovers passage into the fifth round after a hard-fought clash spoiled by a heavily-sanded surface that meant flowing football was always at a premium.

Phil Stant's Gainsborough side were intent on causing an upset and Rovers had to pull out all the stops to keep them at bay in the first half, keeper Steve Perrin making several excellent saves to preserve the goalless stalemate.

The tie could have gone either way, but with 72 minutes gone Kayode Odejayi caused panic in the home defence and although his effort was blocked the ball ran to Gary Owers who found the net with a precise shot.

Four minutes later Odejayi again rattled the home rearguard holding the ball up well to set up Grayson for a powerful drive into the roof of the net to settle the issue.

Scarborough and Dover were due to play their fourth round tie last night and Rovers will visit the winners on Saturday February 22, which means the home Conference clash against Nuneaton will be rearranged.

Rovers visit Chester City in the Conference this Saturday (3pm) and will be hoping that central defender Darren Jones will have recovered from the knock which saw him stretchered off at Gainsborough, while Alex Sykes is still recovering from a groin strain but should be available.

Rovers have signed Australian goalkeeper Chris Giannangelo, 25, on Conference forms, after he impressed in a couple of trial games recently.

Utility player Adie Adams has returned from a loan spell with Clevedon Town, while defender Jamie Impey has had his loan at Ilkeston Town extended for another month and midfielder Ben Cleverley's loan from Bristol City has also been extended for another month.

Rovers, who beat Melksham Town 2-1 in a friendly last week, with goals from Alex Meechan and Steve Tweddle, will host Cheltenham Town in a Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Trophy quarter-final tie at The Lawn next Tuesday (February 11, 7.45pm).