Beesley brings festive cheer (From Stroud News and Journal)

Beesley brings festive cheer

Nationwide Conference Forest Green Rovers 1 Accrington Stanley 0

ALAN LEWER hailed Dean Williams' performance as Forest Green Rovers recorded victory over high-flying Accrington Stanley, in Rovers' continuing and courageous assault on Conference survival

Williams' late saves preserved Rovers' slender lead given by the in-form Mark Beesley, who netted the only goal of the game in the 68th minute, in what proved to be Rovers' only shot on target.

"Dean Williams produced a magnificent save at the end," said Rovers boss Lewer. "How he saved it, I just don't know. "We lead a charmed life at the end, but once again the boys have shown a great spirit."

Earlier, on a dull day Rovers' first-half assault mirrored the weather as Lewer's side failed to find any fluidity with Stephen Reed particularly wasteful with his passing and Charlie Griffin angling his point-blank header horribly wide after Stuart Roberts 19th minute cross presented Griffin with the simplest of chances.

With pulses hardly racing as the half closed, Williams showed great presence to deny Ian Craney with his feet, but was helpless as Steven Flitcroft rattled the bar moments later.

Rovers rode their luck on the cusp of the break. With no defenders guarding the post, Flitcroft's free-kick came off the post for Michael Flynn to head forward, in the ensuing scramble Williams gathered among a plethora of challengers.

Scott Rogers' appearance made Rovers a livelier proposition and it was from Rogers' prompting that Beesley's goal was conjured. Rogers combined with the impressive Des Lyttle, who tossed in a cross from the right. Griffin found space to nod-down for Beesley, who rifled home .

It should have been a game over second on 77 minutes. Beesley linked with the lively Richard Appleby, who arrived at pace in the box, only to skew his shot across the face of the goal.

Accrington looked for parity, but found Williams in resolute mood as he somehow scrambled across his goal to repel Jonathan Smith's thumping header. Seconds later Craney was thwarted by the feet of Williams.

At the death Craney should have snatched a point, but dragged his shot wide with Williams to beat.

Forest Green: Williams, Lyttle, Garner, Searle, Davies, Watson (Appleby 67), Gadsby, Reed, Roberts (Rogers 55), Beesley (Danks 90), Griffin. Subs Not Used: Windle, Richardson. Goals: Beesley 64.

Accrington Stanley: Crichton, Cavanagh, Williams, Flynn, Butler, Flitcroft (Prendergast 66), Craney, Proctor (Cook 80), Jagielka, McEvilly (Smith 84), Mullin. Subs Not Used: Alcock, Howarth. Booked: Butler. Attendance: 691.

Referee: A Turner (Exeter). Star performer: Dean Williams.

* At time of going to press Forest Green were due to travel to Hereford United. On Saturday Rovers travel to Farnborough Town (3pm). * Forest Green's second fans' forum takes place at The Lawn, tonight (7pm).