Rovers could engineer the Great Escape (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rovers could engineer the Great Escape

Conference Carlisle 0 Forest Green Rovers 1

ALAN Lewer predicted the relegation dogfight would go to the wire and his assertion is appearing spot on.

Lewer is on course to perform the impossible by steering his team to Conference survival as Forest Green Rovers pulled off an unlikely victory at Carlisle on Saturday-and with it their first league win since Boxing Day.

"We put on a professional performance," Lewer said.

The fact that Rovers are in with a chance of survival is even more remarkable considering Lewer took over in September when his side were without a single point.

Rovers' shock victory brought an end to Carlisle's seven-match unbeaten run and endangered their tag as firm favourites for a play-off place.

Lewer's side responded magnificently and defended like lions with Paul Williams, Des Lyttle and match winner Damon Searle putting up a firm rearguard, Searle's striking clincher arrived on 61 minutes.

The ex-Carlisle man saw keeper Matty Glennon fumble Paul Warhurst's cross, which allowed him to strike into the unguarded net.

Northwich Victoria 2 Forest Green Rovers 1

FOREST Green's survival hopes had taken a crushing blow on Tuesday, April 5.

Alan Lewer's side got off to a dreadful start when former Cheltenham striker Paul Brayson put the hosts ahead with a long range deflected strike in the 12th minute.

Ten minutes later Jonny Allan made it 2-0 when he found himself in acres of space to stab home a Danny Mayman free-kick after some poor marking.

However, the rest of the match was dominated by Rovers, who drew level two minutes after Allan's goal through new signing Paul Warhurst's header.

Despite creating a sackful of chances, the visitors could not find a way past Northwich keeper Kristian Rodgers.

FOREST GREEN were due to face Hereford United last night (Tuesday) and then travel to Morecambe the following Tuesday before completing the season at home to relegation rivals Canvey Island on Saturday, April 23.

"We've got to do it against Morecambe, if we can do that we can take it to the last game of the season," admitted Lewer.

ROVERS are running the Level One coaching badge at The Lawn and would be keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part.

The course will run on Monday, April 25 at a cost of £65 each. For more details contact Tony Oakley on 01453 832268.