SUPER-SUB Reece Styche stepped off the bench for the 16th time this season to rattle in his seventh goal of the campaign on his 100th Blue Square Premier appearance for Forest Green, but was powerless to stop his play-off chasing side fall to their first defeat of the new year at managerless Stockport County today.

Earlier, boss David Hockaday named transfer window signing Yemi Odubade on the bench and recalled Jamie Turley to the starting line-up in place of Aarran Racine.

However, the Hatters, who sacked boss Jim Gannon on Wednesday after 14 months in charge, went ahead through Sean Newton's 20-yard free-kick.

Jon Nolan doubled the hosts' lead when he turned home Sam Sheridan's cross beyond Sam Russell.

Styche's strike from the edge of the box reduced the scoreline as he fizzed in a stunner, but the damage was already done.

Forest Green remain in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off places despite their defeat.