HOT-SHOT Jon Parkin left it late to snatch a dramatic victory at Braintree to help rubber-stamp Forest Green’s play-off credentials.

Parkin's 17th and 18th goals of the season – the third league game running in which the prolific marksman has scored twice – came either side of sub Sean Marks' goal.

Rovers made it three Vanarama Conference victories on the spin to jump up to sixth – one place off the play-offs, but level on points with fifth-placed Eastleigh on 47 points.

Earlier, Forest Green’s sickness curse struck again with captain David Pipe and striker Lee Hughes unable to travel to Essex.

Midfielder Clovis Kamdjo slotted in at right-back in place of the suspended Dale Bennett and new signing Charlie Clough made his debut alongside Aarran Racine despite Danny Coles (calf) close to a return.

Elsewhere, Eddie Oshodi (hand), James Jennings (knee) and Luke Oliver (hamstring) remained sidelined.

It was Rovers who broke the stalemate on 68 minutes. Captain Marcus Kelly's corner was flicked on by Clough and Parkin rifled home from close range.

Rovers looked to have put the game to bed when a super clearance by Racine denied any Braintree player getting on the end of substitute Dan Sparkes' cross.

However, the Essex outfit netted parity on 84 minutes. Isaac's free-kick was half cleared and Marks fired home.

Rovers have a never say die spirit and they pinched a win when Elliott Frear's left-footer was met with a flicked header by the predatory Parkin.

Forest Green: S. Russell; C. Kamdjo (C. Stokes 86), C. Clough, A. Racine, M. Kelly; K. Guthrie, S. Wedgbury, R. Sinclair, E. Frear; J. Parkin, S. Fleetwood (J. Norwood 81).

Subs not used: D. Coles, C. Moore, S. Arnold.

Star Man:Sam Wedgbury.