Playing their first game in the new coffee-based shirt, it certainly looked as though Rovers were fully caffeinated as they beat Colchester 3-0 on Saturday evening. They played with vigour and tenacity and claiming all three points was surely the response Mark Cooper was looking for after the disappointing loss to Southend on Wednesday.

Jamille Matt scored for the fourth consecutive game as he claimed a brace and a rare Udoka Godwin-Malife goal guided Rovers to a well-earned victory.

Despite dominating the possession stats in the opening stages of the contest, Forest Green had nothing to show for their early pressure. Ebou Adams had the first shot on goal six minutes in but after being found in space on the edge of the opposition’s box, the midfielder lashed his shot wide.

On 18 minutes, it was Odin Bailey who came the closest to opening the scoring in the match. The Rovers number 17 manoeuvred space in the U’s box and was found by a low Matt cross but his first-time effort struck the side netting.

After 26 minutes, the home side’s early dominance was rewarded thanks to Matt netting his thirteenth league goal of the season. It was another text book finish from Rovers’ talisman as he shrugged off the Colchester defender and headed home a well-placed Aaron Collins cross.

Just five minutes later, Matt netted his, and the game’s, second of the evening. The striker’s initial shot was cleared off the line in acrobatic fashion but the ever-dangerous Matt was alert enough to convert the rebound.

Just before the referee was about to blow for half-time, Adams was shown a red card for the second time this season. The 25-year-old flew into a challenge with Josh Doherty as they both attempted to retrieve a loose ball but he mistimed his tackle and was dismissed instantaneously.

On 54 minutes, Collins had the first clear attempt of the second half for Rovers. The forward drove down the centre of the Colchester back line and took aim from 20 yards out but his subsequent effort was weak and skidded comfortably into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Forest Green increased their advantage after 67 minutes through the most unlikely of scorers. Godwin-Malife netted his first goal for Rovers, and the final one of the match, as he was able to latch onto a pin-point free-kick cross by Collins.

After that win, Forest Green remain in second place in the League Two rankings as they next travel to Stevenage on Tuesday night.