Tamworth 1 Forest Green Rovers 0

Last updated : 20 March 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Tamworth boss Darron Gee believes his side have secured their Conference status after victory over Forest Green opened up a nine-point gap above the relegation zone for the Lambs.

A scrappy Paul Barnes strike after 20 minutes gave Tamworth their second 1-0 win of the week and eased Gee's relegation worries.

"I told the players that was the worst game they will probably ever play in, but it was the best three points they will ever earn," Gee said.

"It takes the pressure off us and we can relax now. We can enjoy the rest of the season and we want to win all our remaining games." It was a scruffy goal that decided a scruffy game. Gale force wins made it difficult for both sides but the Lambs seemed to adapt better to the conditions.

Tamworth had the wind behind them in the first period and penned Rovers into their own half, although the visitors did have a great chance to sneak into the lead on 15 minutes.

A Richard Dryden clearance cannoned off team mate Mark Cooper and fell for Paul Moore, but he blazed wildly wide when more composure was required.

Rovers were punished in the 20th minute when, after a spot of pinball in the penalty area, Barnes scrambled the ball home for his second goal since signing for the Lambs.

Neither side could fashion any worthwhile efforts on goal as the wind made sure the ball spent most of the time out of play.

But just before half time, Steve Perrin produced a superb one-handed save to push away a Lee Colkin effort from the edge of the box, after Barnes had chested down a Jason Blunt cross.

With the wind against them in the second half, Tamworth were still the dominant side and should have increased their lead straight after the restart when Norman Sylla turned and volleyed from 12 yards, but his shot fell straight into Perrin's arms.

Tamworth continued to peg Rovers back and Sylla had another great chance to double their lead when presented with a free header from a swirling Rob Warner cross, but the Frenchman's header was tipped onto the bar and over by Perrin.

Rovers' best opportunity to equalise came on 77 minutes when Scott Rogers did well to get to the byline and his cross was met by Alex Meechan, but his glancing header was straight at on-loan keeper Wayne Henderson.