Rovers climb out of relegation zone (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rovers climb out of relegation zone

Nationwide Conference

Gravesend 0 Forest Green Rovers 0

FOREST GREEN gave themselves a massive jolt of confidence with a point at Gravesend on Easter Monday, which enabled them to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Rovers went into the game missing Mark Beesley and Matt Gadsby and were rocked when Jon Richardson broke down in the pre-match warm up and was replaced by Ben Cleverley.

However, prompted by the excellent Hugh McAuley, Rovers began brightly. It was McAuley who saw a 32nd minute volley strike the bar from 30 yards.

Meanwhile, lone striker Charlie Griffin went close, but Rovers will be more than satisfied with a point.

Six matches will now decide Rovers' Conference future as the season points towards a nerve-jangling climax.

Rovers welcome Mark Cooper's Tamworth this Saturday and then travel to relegation rivals Northwich Victoria on Tuesday.

Rovers' cause against Tamworth will not be helped with the crushing news that Mark Beesley will play no further part in the season after rupturing knee ligaments near at the end of the Barnet defeat. Matt Gadsby and Richardson will hope to feature.

Manager Alan Lewer was hoping to bring in up to three fresh faces later this week.

Forest Green: Williams, Lyttle, Garner, Cleverley, Searle, Green, Rogers, Harris, McAuley, Davies, Griffin.

Subs Not Used: Perrin, Davis, Beswetherick, Roberts, Appleby. Star player: Hugh McAuley.

FOREST GREEN regret to announce that they have accepted the resignation of their commercial manager, Robin Eaves, for personal reasons. However, Eaves will be retained as a consultant on a part time basis.