OLD age comes to us all, and birthdays past the age of 21 are hardly a time to celebrate, but even at the grand old age of 37 Gary Owers certainly had something to smile about.

Forest Green's boss may have edged closer to the 40 mark on Monday, but his weekend got off to a smashing start thanks to the previously out of touch Bruno Teixeira.

The 22-year-old from Portugal conjured up a sublime strike to spark a previously wretched contest. Teixeira's moment afforded Forest Green a most welcome three points against a Morecambe side that had sat in second place.

Teixeira's 67th minute winner even rivalled Paul Wanless' recent beauty. A dip of the shoulder, a quick glance up and with Ryan Robinson off his line, Teixeira hit an audacious, but unstoppable strike from 35- yards.

His exuberant celebration cut a mixture of joy and relief as he ran towards the sanctuary of the home dugout. Owers may not be keen on hugging grown men, but this time he didn't mind as Teixeira made a joyful run into the welcoming arms of his boss.

Teixeira's moment of brilliance was hailed by Owers, who said: "It's probably the one true moment of quality that's won the game for us. Not many people will score a goal like that, and I'm delighted for him.

"Bruno grew in confidence after that - hopefully we'll see a lot more of him.

"It was a strange game, probably exciting to watch at certain times and pretty poor at others, but we are very happy with the result.

"I don't think there's been any inconsistency in our performances, just the results. We've played a lot better today and got nothing for it."

In truth, Morecambe looked a far superior side, but hardly troubled the assured Ryan Clarke and the consistent Adam Garner.

Earlier, Rovers felt hard done by when substitute Kireon Walmsley handled in the box on 81 minutes. Clarke's booming kick was flicked on by Zema Abbey, Walmsley appeared to handle under the challenge of Jon Beswetherick, but play was waved on.

A curious opening saw the game delayed for five minutes. Morecambe's Darren Kempson collapsed just outside his penalty area with no other player near him.

It was later revealed that the young defender had suffered a muscle spasm in his arm and neck. Seconds later Abdou Sall was helped off after he tore his hamstring.