Forest Green Rovers lost their third game on the bounce as they were beaten 2-0 by Salford on Monday afternoon.

Two goals either side of half-time from Salford’s top-scorer Ian Henderson proved too much for a Rovers side that looked far from their best.

Both teams had been in relatively bad form coming into this contest and the early stages reflected that – the first 20 minutes were a tight and cagey affair that offered very little in attacking promise.

The first notable shot on goal came after 16 minutes following a poor Forest Green clearance which enabled the usually potent Henderson to float a weak shot that was comfortably dealt with.

Upon his return to the starting 11, Ebou Adams very nearly opened the scoring on 29 minutes but for some courageous defending. Following a looping corner, Chris Stokes rose highest to flick a ball onto Adams who fired a thunderous volley goalwards but was denied by some excellent last-ditch defending.

However, it was Salford who took the lead on 38 minutes as Henderson was able to net his 14th league goal of the season. The veteran striker showed his class as he took aim from outside the Rovers box and rifled his shot into the top corner of Luke McGee’s net.

The visiting side were able to double their advantage on 77 minutes as Henderson once again found a way past McGee. George Boyd’s pin-point cross located the 36-year-old in space, resulting in a well struck volley that put the game out of Forest Green’s reach.

Rovers sit in 5th place, without a win in five games.

Next up for Rovers is a trip to Walsall, who are without a win in 14 games. Kick off: 3pm on Saturday.