Forest Green Rovers slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cambridge United.

Wes Hoolahan handed the hosts the points with a tidy finish before the break after Lewis Thomas saved a penalty.

Mark Cooper made just one change to the side that beat Harrogate Town a week ago, Scott Wagstaff replacing the suspended Elliott Whitehouse in midfield.

It was a first half of few clear chances,, but with 17 minutes on the clock, the hosts were presented with the perfect opportunity to take the lead.

Paul Mullin got in down the right and was brought to the ground by Baily Cargill. The U's top scorer stepped up and unleashed a rocket of a penalty, but couldn't beat Lewis Thomas who pulled off a truly word-class save to push the strike onto the post.

Just shy of the half hour mark, Scott Wagstaff had to put his body on the line on the edge of the box to deny Hiram Boateng on the volley.

Cambridge's first-half dominance payed off with seven minutes to go until the break, the hosts winning the ball back on the edge of the Rovers area before Hoolahan held off a challenge and fired into the far corner via the post.

Jamille Matt couldn't pull one back five minutes later as he steered a header wide after Kane Wilson's cross.

Rovers came out of the tunnel a different side, a just three minutes into the second half Nicky Cadden drilled an effort into the side netting.

Rovers produced their first sign of real quality after 56 minutes as Collins and Cargill combined down the left before Matt prodded goalwards. Collins had a second bite at it, but his effort was saved well.

Mark Cooper's men continued to pile on the pressure, and Collins was able to test Callum Burton from rage after 64 minutes, but the keeper was once again equal to the effort.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to level the scores with 22 minutes to play, but Collins couldn't get enough on his header and steered Odin Bailey's perfect cross wide of the far post.

The hosts slowed down the play at every opportunity, limiting Rovers chances to a minimum for the remainder of the afternoon.

Hutchinson had a go from outside the area with five minutes to go, but couldn't hit the target before Thomas had to be on his toes to deny Mullin late on.