FOREST Green Rovers manager David Horseman has admitted 'a bit of soul searching' is required from his players after the 3-0 defeat at fellow League Two strugglers Tranmere Rovers.

Tranmere leapfrogged Forest Green and out of the drop zone, as Horseman's men dropped to second bottom in the table.

The home team took the lead after just eight minutes when the unfortunate Tyrese Omotoye put through his own net from a Tranmere corner.

Tranmere doubled their lead just after the break when Kristian Dennis fired the ball home from the edge of the area.

The visitors’ task was made all the more difficult when Dom Bernard received a second yellow card for deliberate handball and Rob Apter made the game safe with 20 minutes remaining.

“For all our pretty football it comes down to whether you want to take responsibility in both boxes but we were sadly lacking today," said Horseman at full-time.

“To get the sending off in such a ridiculous manner, the game has completely gone then and you’re out of it and we shot ourselves in the foot really.

“I thought we caused them a few problems and had the chances but some people have to take responsibility for their actions today, but we go back to work on Monday and try to improve.

“We lost 3-0 and there are no positives but it’s a massive learning curve and things will need to change moving forward.

“I really feel for the fans today to be honest and I appreciate that they are very frustrated with me and everything that’s going on.

“But we’ll keep working with the lads to try and improve and what the lads have got to do now is do a bit of soul searching to see if they have the fight and determination because today wasn’t good enough.”

Forest Green are in FA Cup action on Tuesday evening when they host National League North outfit Scarborough Athletic in their first-round replay at The New Lawn.