Forest Green Rovers 2 Chester City 1

Last updated : 17 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Forest Green Rovers turned the form book on its head to overturn top of the table Chester City in an end-to-end game which was only marred by inept refereeing.

The first clear chance of the game fell Rovers' way after 18 minutes. Gareth Stoker's neat chip fell to Alex Meechan whose snapshot was comfortable for Chester keeper Ian McCaldon to gather.

A golden opportunity fell to Chester four minutes later. Paul Carden played Daryl Clare clean through, but his attempted lob bounced wide of the left-hand post.

Clare made up for his miss deep into first-half injury-time when Kevin McIntyre's free-kick caught out the Forest defence and Clare was on hand to stab the loose ball beneath Steve Perrin into the net from close range.

Rovers came out in the second half immediately looking for an equaliser and it almost came in the 53rd minute when a cross from the right fell to Scott Rogers, but his header from close range went over the bar.

Chester should have increased the lead against the run of play when just after the hour Alex Smith raced clean through only for Perrin to save the low drive with his feet.

Rovers finally got back on level terms in the 70th minute. Rogers flicked on Meechan's pass to Martin Foster and his low cross found Steve Cowe at the back post to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Five minutes later they had the lead. Meechan latched on to Perrin's clearance and his shot was only parried by McCaldon, with Rogers on hand to fire in the rebound.

Despite late pressure, Rovers were able to hang on for a much deserved three points.