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City continued the build-up to their forthcoming Dr Martens Premier Division campaign with a narrow defeat against Conference opponents Forest Green Rovers. In an evenly contested clash, which on a number of occasions threatened to boil over, it was only a penalty three minutes from time that separated the sides. This was awarded after substitute Donnelly handled a cross from the left flank - Meechan sending Hervin the wrong way from the spot. This completed a fine come back from the visitors after they had found themselves a goal down at half time. City's goal came once again from in-form Allison. A long ball forward by Vickerman appeared to have left the striker with a lot to do, but he made room before unleashing a 20-yard effort past substitute keeper Glassup. Glassup replaced Rovers regular keeper Perrin, who was injured in a clash with Milsom, in just the sixth minute, although not before the keeper had produced a fine stop from Allison. Further first half chances fell to Milsom, who had one effort ruled out for offside, and Gosling and, at the back, Thorne and Towler coped confidently with all the Gloucestershire side threw at them. As is common in these sort of games the second half saw a flurry of substitutions and this, along with the sweltering conditions, seemed to affect City the greater and just before the hour mark Forest Green drew level, Cooper heading home Prince's cross. City almost restored their advantage immediately but Thorne saw his goalbound shot blocked on the line. At the other end Hervin blocked a Meechan shot with his legs and the game seemed to be headed for a stalemate. However, the 87th minute saw this change with Donnelly's indiscretion and Rovers could celebrate a slightly underserved victory. |
