Clough's side edge Rovers closer to the drop (From Stroud News and Journal)

Clough's side edge Rovers closer to the drop

SUNDAY roast or Sunday roasting? It would surely have been the latter for the players of Forest Green, who were hauled in by Alan Lewer for extra training after the Rovers boss watched his team take a backward step at Burton on Saturday.

Lewer felt that the inept showing in the 4-1 defeat, was the worst display he had seen in his tenure at Forest Green and he will certainly be demanding a much improved performance when Stevenage Borough come to The Lawn this Saturday.

Last Saturday's defeat leaves Rovers second from bottom, two points adrift of Northwich Victoria, who defeated fellow relegation candidates Farnborough. The Vics have now returned to the safety zone as they work off their 10-point deduction.

Rovers have now only taken four meagre points since January. The simple fact is with 11 games to go Rovers need to pick up points or the seven season love affair with the Conference will be over.

Lewer may yet have to do without influential midfielder Scott Rogers, who lasted just 25 minutes on Saturday, before leaving the pitch with a recurrence of a back injury. Rogers was this week receiving extensive treatment from club chiropractor Richard Brown.

Nationwide Conference Burton Albion 4 Forest Green 1

CRAIG DUDLEY'S brace helped Nigel Clough's Burton to a comfortable 4-1 victory over struggling Forest Green on Saturday.

Alan Lewer named Hugh McAuley and Chester City loan player Andy Harris in the starting eleven, but it made little difference.

Dudley got Albion off to a bright start after Dean Williams' initial block allowed Dudley a second chance to nose Clough's side ahead. Nonetheless, Rovers drew parity after McAuley and Kevin Rapley conjured the opportunity for Mark Beesley to fizz in from 20-yards. However, Albion regained the lead on 34 minutes through Dale Anderson and made it 3-1 on the cusp of half time again through Dudley.

Albion smelled more goals with Des Lyttle forced to deny Barry Miller. However, an offside flag denied Charlie Griffin Rovers substitute but Albion cemented their comprehensive victory through Jon Shaw on 80 minutes.

Forest Green: Williams, Lyttle, Richardson, Searle, Davies, Rogers (Roberts 25), McAuley, Harris, Beswetherick (Griffin 53), Beesley, Rapley, Roberts (Gadsby 72). Subs Not Used: Perrin, Garner. Goals: Dudley 6, 45, Anderson 34, Shaw 80. Goals: Beesley 15. Booked: Beesley, Harris. Attendance: 1,241. Referee: Mr A Rayer (Leicester). Star player: Mark Beesley. Next match: Stevenage (Home).

* FOREST GREEN reached the semi-final stage of the GLS Conference Cup with a 5-1 victory over Aldershot Town at The Lawn last Tuesday. Adam Garner (2), Lee Davis, Charlie Griffin and Stuart Roberts gave Forest Green victory.

* ROVERS will travel to Yate Town in the semi-final of the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup after the Southern League Division One West side knocked Bristol City out.