Udoka Godwin-Malife says Forest Green were lacking a ruthlessness in the 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday.

It was a narrow defeat for Rovers at Pompey, with Owen Dale's headed goal giving the home side the three points. Duncan Ferguson's side had a flurry of late chances to get an equaliser, but it wasn't enough to give FGR a point on the road.

Forest Green frustrated Portsmouth for large parts of the game, restricting John Mousinho's outfit to few opportunities, however Rovers just failed to take of their chances at the other end.

"We were in the game right until the end, so it's disappointing to lose in that manner," said Godwin-Malife. "The boys put in a really good shift and it just wasn't our day in terms of creating chances.

"We had a few moments but the clinical touch wasn't there. The boys put in a shift and worked hard - we'll continue to do that.

"Portsmouth are a very good side, let's not get away from that. They're a big club in this division and we have to respect the opposition. They brought certain qualities that threatened us. We tried to push forward as a team, but we just couldn't get one over the line. On another day it happens, just like it did against Sheffield Wednesday.

"We're going to continue to put in a shift and try to get as many points as we can, because the fans who support us home and away deserve it."