Shrimps pick off Rovers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Shrimps pick off Rovers

Nationwide Conference Forest Green Rovers 0 Morecambe 3 IS there anyway back from this?

While Rovers' optimistic boss Alan Lewer may think so, the sands of time begin to gather pace, with Rovers succumbing to their 12th defeat from 14 games.

Morecambe were never troubled and the Shrimps eased home through goals from Jim Bentley (14), Danny Carlton (59) and Wayne Curtis (90).

Deficiencies were evident at all quarters with midfield proving a particular weakness until substitute Scott Rogers' late cameo - oh for a Gary Owers or Martin Foster.

In Lewer's mitigation he has added the potential of Jefferson Louis and steadfastness of Adam Garner and Dean Williams, and added that to the mix on Saturday with the promising baptism of full-back Stephen Reed from Yeovil, who pulled off three goal-line clearances and almost capped his afternoon with a fizzing strike that produced the save of the day from Adam Solitt.

There has never been a greater need for a solid foundation or Rovers' seven-year love affair with the Conference could end in divorce.

* This Saturday will mark Rovers' first six-pointer of the season when they welcome bottom of the table Northwich Victoria to The Lawn. The Vics are only bottom because of a ten-point deduction, imposed after falling into administration.

Scott Rogers is likely to be given a starting berth with Matt Gadsby under suspension. Striker Julian Alsop is being linked with a move to Forest Green after leaving Oxford United.

Alsop watched Rovers at The Lawn on Saturday. Meanwhile, Rovers will face either a trip to Weymouth or Thame in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday, October 30.