Gavin Gunning says sloppiness cost Forest Green Rovers a win against his former club Port Vale on Saturday.

Rovers were leading 1-0 before Tom Pope equalised from the penalty spot which was then followed by a Farrend Rawson sending off two minutes later.

Gunning felt it was simply a 10 minute sloppy spell cost Rovers in a game the defender Rovers believes his side should have seen out.

"We didn't play our best stuff today but we should still take the three points today and grind out the 1-0 and get ourselves going," said Gunning. "We got a bit sloppy and conceded the penalty and had a man sent off but we still probably should have nicked it with the chances even when we had ten men.

"It was probably a penalty. The red card was a rash challenge, he'd have probably got a second yellow if not but that's what happens."

"It's just sloppiness I think. We know our roles as a team and we know what everyone needs to do but we just had 10 minutes when we were sloppy and that's what happens. We concede a penalty, get a man sent off and you're chasing the game."

Despite drawing, Rovers stretched their unbeaten run to seven in the league and Gunning is still in good spirits and is looking forward to this Saturday's game away at undefeated MK Dons.

"We're positive," he added. "We're a decent team and we play decent football but you've got to grind some wins out and turn them draws into wins.

"Tough game next week like every game in this league. MK Dons are playing at home, they'll try and push on and take the game to us which should suit us really but we'll see what it brings.

Rovers will be without Rawson at Stadium MK as he will serve a three match suspension following his red card.