FOREST Green Rovers look back on course.

One win does not make a winter but the comprehensive 5-1 defeat of Bromley gives confidence to players and fans alike.

Throughout the team there was spirit and determination and their self belief grew as the game progressed.

Manager Mark Cooper had tweaked both team and tactics to splendid effect. The inclusion of the excellent Manny Monthe in defence allowed Ethan Pinnock to move into midfield.

Encouraged by his cheerful, friendly, family watching from the stand he gave a first class performance. His telescopic legs broke up many Bromley attacks and playing a holding role he ensured the defenders behind him were hardly ever exposed.

His strength and reliability allowed skipper Liam Noble to play with more freedom and once he had assessed the pace of the cloying pitch he showed all his qualities. Perceptive passing from ‘Napoleon Liam’ constantly stretched the Bromley defence. This was evident when Rovers scored the killer goal.

Bromley had just reduced the lead and were looking dangerous but a marvellous Noble pass found Keanu Marsh-Brown wide on the right.

He advanced briefly before a thundering shot from an acute angle restored the two-goal lead.

Cooper has been searching for a winning formula and as a result made many changes but he now can settle on a team that is capable of so much.

Elliot Frear on the left was a revelation. Sometimes in the past his decision making and distribution have let him down. Not on Saturday.

Bad luck and good goalkeeping prevented him scoring a first half hat-trick but until injury caused him to leave the field he delivered a match-winning performance.

In an open and sensitive interview with my colleague Ash Loveridge at the SNJ, Mark also mentioned a more restrained role for the full-backs. Again this provided more cover for the central defenders and goalkeeper Sam Russell.

In fact there was much evidence of learning from recent mistakes. Congratulations to all concerned.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Bromley have a well ordered, welcoming ground and at half-time I reflected on our two-goal lead with a huge slice of Mrs Light’s splendid Christmas cake. An unbeatable experience.

Meanwhile, popular defender Aarran Racine has returned to Forest Green after his loan spell ended at York City on Saturday.

The Forest Green defender played during York’s a 2-2 draw at promotion hopefuls Dover.

Striker Rhys Murphy has also returned from his loan deal at Bootham Crescent.

Meanwhile, on-loan Birmingham City midfielder Charlie Cooper’s stay at Forest Green has been extended until the end of the season.

He has caught the eye with a man-of-the-match performance in an FA Trophy first round replay win at Truro City.