NEW Forest Green boss Ady Pennock and assistant Dave Kevan will have been given plenty of food for thought after their first defeat in charge, writes Richard Joyce.

Pennock has made no secret of the fact that players will be shipped out in due course, but despite this 2-0 lost-Rovers’ first reverse in three- the former Stoke City coach took a positive view.

Pennock told FGR /BBC Radio Glos: “Obviously we're very disappointed at losing 2-0 but I can't fault the lads at all.

"I thought we started the game really well. We had some really good chances but it just wasn't our day today.

"What I was really pleased about is that we just didn't stop. What I was a little disappointed with was the first half when we were just smashing the ball forward.

"In the second half, even down to 10 men, we did get a bit more composure on the ball which was pleasing."

It had all started so well for Rovers, who bossed the early exchanges, Danny Wright, coming up against his former club, fluffed an opportunity early on with Paul Green's follow- up strike going wide.

Wright almost nodded Rovers ahead on 15 minutes, but his powerful header from a Yan Klukowski cross was excellently gloved away by Wrexham shot-stopper Andy Coughlin.

Rovers early dominance had certainly quietened a passionate home crowd early on, but they were all on their feet on 30 minutes when player-manager Andy Morrell struck a beautiful opener.

He met Rob Ogleby's cross with aplomb, and he buried an acrobatic volley firmly in the back of the net .

And the hosts doubled their lead six minutes later. Former Wrexham keeper Sam Russell made a superb stop, a follow-up was blasted against an FGR defender only to eventually land at the feet of Hunt, rifled home.

The Rovers response was sharp, and James Norwood, sporting dyed blonde hair, brought the best out of Coughlin.

Another fine chance drifted Forest Green's way in first half stoppage time as Dale Bennett did well to cushion down a header for Klukowski, whose final volleyed effort was well connected with, however straight into the arms of Coughlin.

It was going to take a big second half performance if Rovers were to turn things around, and after a quiet start to the games second period, Jamie Turley, who skippered the England C team in midweek, saw his afternoon ended earlier than expected.

The defender picked up a caution for a foul on the wily Morrell, and just two minutes later was given his marching orders by referee Adam Bromley for an unfortunate repeat offence on the same man.

A formation reshuffle saw Green drop to the back line, and less than a minute later substitute Matty Taylor combined well with Norwood for the latter to punch an effort on goal which skipped wide.

Jay Harris' low drive just past the hour marked a rare attempt on goal for the hosts in a second half, which despite being a man light, Rovers appeared to be dominating, and Marcus Kelly slammed over after fine work by Wright had established a good opening for the midfielder.

Further changes to the teams set up saw Eddie Oshodi and Reece Styche introduced to the occasion, and it was the former who flung a tremendous ball into the box for Wright to meet with his head, but Coughlin was once again in the way for the hosts late on as Wrexham held on to end Forest Green's fine run and to move ahead of Rovers in the table.

Forest Green: S. Russell; J. Hodgkiss (E. Oshodi 81), J. Turley, D. Bennett, E. Asafu-Adjaye; P. Green, A. Bangura (M. Taylor 53), M. Kelly; Y. Klukowski (R. Styche 81), D. Wright, J. Norwood.

Subs not used: K. Forbes, A. McHugh.

Attendance: 3,083.