Toothless (From Stroud News and Journal)

Toothless

AS a player Gary Owers spilt blood for the cause-but it was like getting blood out of a stone from a Forest Green side that turned in a wretched display to gift Southport a precious three points.

Excuses may point to the lack of a leader in Paul Wanless or Jon Richardson, but this inexplicable performance will see Rovers viewing the Conference run in with increasing trepidation.

Owers was cleary upset at his players toothless display.

He said: "I'm ashamed to say we could probably pack up the same kit for next week's game because we haven't spilt blood and we haven't made any tackles, and I like to think when I played that was the least I gave."

Earlier, Rovers started brightly enough. Damon Searle's whipped in third-minute free-kick allowed Abdou Sall the opportunity to nod in his fourth goal in six games. However, the warning signs were evident.

Rovers' defence was being pulled apart from all angles. Parity arrived when Steve Daly was allowed space to strike on 18 minutes.

With Zema Abbey off for a head injury, Julian Alsop was introduced. His presence unsettled Southport. First he headed over from Alex Meechan's cross.

Alsop then returned the favour only for Meechan to see a volley deflected. Guy Madjo, Alsop and Meechan all went close to edging Rovers ahead.

After the break Searle's leggy challenge prevented a certain goal as Southport started to gain the ascendancy. Ryan Clarke did well to block, but he was helpless to keep out Blakeman's winner.

Forest Green: Clarke 6, Anthony 4, Sall 6, Taylor 6, Searle 7, Meechan 5, Gadsby 5, Brough 6, (Jones 6, 75m), Rogers 5, (Beesley 6, 74m), Abbey 7, (Alsop 7, 23m), Madjo 5. Subs Not Used: Teixeira, Harrison. Booked: Taylor, Alsop. Goals: Sall 3. Sent off: Roberts (87). Goals: Daly 18, Blakeman 73. Attendance: 846. Star player: Damon Searle. Referee: R Vaughan (Somerset).

*Forest Green will be running a supporters coach to Crawley Town on Saturday. To book a seat call Brian Fream on 01453 832858.