FOREST Green boss Ady Pennock will be delighted. He loves clean sheets and 1-0 win at Altrincham on Saturday is exactly what he got.

Determined in the first half and dominant in the second, Rovers were full value for their win, which was based on an exemplary defensive display.

New goalkeeper Johny Maxted handled well, catching or punching with total confidence and the Rovers back four were in fine form.

Dale Bennett showed us what an excellent defender he is, moving back to centre half. This made room for David Pipe to play at right - back. He was my man of the match making many incisive interventions.

Midfield duo Rob Sinclair and Sam Wedgbury were close contenders for that honour, working hard in both defence and attack, winning the ball when this looked seemingly impossible. “Give us a midfield” yelled one Altrincham fan in despair. He was right. Sinks and Wedge had made Alty anonymous.

Elliott Frear always looked the most likely to unlock the home defence, but he needs to see more of the ball. With the ball at his feet he can cause havoc, but without it he is a passenger. Rovers can and must get the ball to him quickly and more often, while Elliott himself must make himself available more often, and even come looking for it.

Jon Parkin scored his statuary goal and there were signs that his partnership with the speedy Aaron O’Connor will work well.

Kurtis Guthrie ran himself into the ground reflecting the high fitness and energy levels, we may not have enjoyed the pre-season games, but they served their purpose-our players are fit taking their lead from manager Ady who surely this season looks slimmer and trimmer.

Some areas need working on, one being corners. Our goal game from one, but the other twelve yielded little, more variety or accuracy please. That statement could be applied to our crossing as a whole.

Too often we had done the difficult work and were in good positions in the final third of the field. An inaccurate cross or pass then meant the opportunity was lost. These are only small points however, compared with an away win, clean sheet and three points and the journey home being two hours quicker!

Now for a home clash against Welling on Tuesday. The players must be patient and so must we. Gaps will be hard to find and opportunities few and far between. Nonetheless, we would all be pleased to settle for Pennock perfection. Two clean sheets and two one-nil wins.