Duncan Ferguson was denied his first win as Forest Green boss as Cole Stockton’s late screamer earned Morecambe a point in a 1-1 draw between two League One strugglers.

Jahmari Clarke looked set to have given the visitors the three points with a well-taken header nine minutes from time.

READ MORE | Duncan Ferguson pleased with first point despite Morecambe equaliser

But Morecambe hit back on 89 minutes when a long clearance from Connor Ripley was laid off into Stockton’s path and the striker drove the ball into the roof of Ross Doohan’s net.

Morecambe had the first chance on 90 seconds when Ash Hunter shot weakly at Doohan after some good work from Donald Love.

It was Forest Green who went closest to opening the scoring in the first-half when Corey O’Keefe’s free kick was superbly tipped away by Ripley.

Stockton did put the ball into the net on the hour after Doohan had fumbled a Liam Shaw shot, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Then came the late drama as Rovers thought they'd won it when defender Brandon Cooper headed a long-ball into the box back across goal for Clarke who nodded home for his first goal for the club. 

Stroud News and Journal: Jahmari Clarke looked set to have given the visitors the three points with a well-taken header nine minutes from time. (Pic: Wayne Tuckwell)Jahmari Clarke looked set to have given the visitors the three points with a well-taken header nine minutes from time. (Pic: Wayne Tuckwell) (Image: Wayne Tuckwell)

The away side looked as if they were closing in on a first win since December 10 in the league but it was not to be as they once again conceded late on. 

It was a brilliant strike from Stockton, driving forward before thumping an unstoppable strike into the back of the net. 

The result means Rovers remain bottom of the table and still seven points off safety, as well as playing more games than those above them. 

But man of the match Dom Bernard was keen to focus on the positives.

"It was a solid performance," he said.

"We have to take the positive out of that. We were solid defensively, right up until the last minute goal.

"We wanted that clean sheet. We did well to find the goal and then got so unlucky with that late goal. 

"Credit to the fans, it was a long old travel for them and their support helps us massively."

They are back in action tomorrow evening, as they welcome Charlton Athletic in another League One clash.

As for Morecambe, they also remain in the relegation zone by a single point, but they do have a game in hand on Milton Keynes Dons.