Rovers extended their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two to eight matches after a 1-1 draw with Exeter City.

Head Coach Mark Cooper made no changes to his starting eleven for the fourth consecutive match – putting faith in the side who earned eight points from four matches so far this month.

The Grecians looked sharper in the opening minutes of the match – and had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Former Watford man Randell Williams whipped in a low cross destined for the far post – but full-back Jack Sparkes couldn’t find the target from close range.

Despite the home side’s early optimism, Rovers broke the deadlock with just seventeen minutes on the clock. Yet another inch perfect set piece from Nicky Cadden found Aaron Collins lurking just inside the penalty area and the Welshman managed to find the bottom corner, beating Jonny Maxted at his near post.

Matt Taylor’s charges continued to apply the pressure and found the leveller moments before the interval. Dan Sweeney found himself dispossessed on the edge of the box – and the hosts punished the error with Archie Collins’ thunderous effort, which cannoned off the crossbar before crossing the line.

Rovers’ defence stood firm despite the onslaught as the first half drew to its conclusion. First, Ryan Bowman’s header was denied by Luke McGee – as the FGR stopper raced back to his line to claw the effort away from danger. It was soon followed by Williams long-range attempt – which crept inches wide of the post.

However, the second half took a little longer to spring into life. Rovers’ first chance of the second forty-five fell to goal scorer Collins eighteen-yards from goal – but the forward dragged his strike the wrong side of Maxted’s near post.

Perhaps the home supporters inside St James Park would’ve felt disgruntled at their best opportunity to take the lead. After Grecians midfielder Collins worked a through ball to Williams, the winger chipped a pass for Joel Randall – and three yards from goal, the forward fired well over the bar.

Exeter City XI: Maxted, Sparkes, Taylor, Collins, Williams, Bowman, Randall, Parkes, Jay, Sweeney (Caprice 24), Hartridge.

Unused subs: Ward, Caprice, Atangana, McArdle, Law, Seymour, Fisher.

Forest Green XI: McGee, Bernard, Sweeney, Stokes, Adams, Collins (Young 87), Matt, Bailey (Winchester 56), Godwin-Malife, Richardson (Whitehouse 76).

Unused subs: Thomas, Stevens, Moore-Taylor, Wagstaff.

Referee: Brett Huxtable