FOREST Green fell to a 3-2 defeat against Southend United in a Central League fixture at Stanley Park.

Isaac Pearce and Junior Mondal got on the scoresheet but it wasn't enough for Rovers.

Forest Green started well, Udoke Godwin-Malife hit the bar on 13 minutes but it was the visitors who took the lead nine minutes later when Norman Wabo coolly finished.

Rovers levelled just three minutes later after Pearce linked up with Mondal before the former side-footed the ball into the net.

Southend hit the bar before they stretched their lead with nine minutes to go when Wabo scored his second.

Forest Green pulled one back on 86 minutes when Reuben Reid's shot was saved and Mondal pounced to lift the ball into the net.

Line-up: Ward, Jones, Collins (Turner 64'), Godwin-Malife (Hendy 64'), Hill, James, Liddle, Mondal, Pearce, Grubb, Reid

Sub: Thomas, Bradshaw, Turner, Hendy, Ogunleye