Forest Green Rovers returned to winning ways in the National League after a convincing 2-0 victory over Wealdstone at The New Lawn.
A first half strike from Neil Kengni alongside a second half header from Gabe Kircough was enough to secure all three points for Robbie Savage’s side.
The result sees Rovers remain sixth in the National League table, five points behind Scunthorpe United in fifth.
First Half
Rovers started the game on the front foot when in the fourth minute Kyle McAllister found Chibby Nwoko inside the area but his effort was blocked.
A clever ball from Nwoko then found Neil Kengni in-behind the Wealdstone back-line but his strike was deflected behind for a corner.
Kircough then forced Stones’ keeper Dante Baptiste into a good save when he met McAllister’s delivery at the back-post.
The away side created their first opening of the match in the 17th minute when the ball fell kindly to Olufela Olomola in the box but he dragged his shot wide.
A driving run from Laurent Mendy saw the defender deliver a dangerous cross which fell kindly to Jayden Clarke but he also fired past the far-post from close range.
Rovers broke the deadlock in the 41st minute following a Wealdstone corner.
Leaving three up, Rovers were rewarded when Isted caught the corner and sent a long ball up into the Wealdstone half.
Chaos ensued in the Wealdstone defence, and the lively Kengni took full advantage, battling the defender, showing his strength to come away with the ball and slide it past the approaching Baptiste.
This was Kengni's first goal for Rovers, and I have to say, he took it very well.
It was a strong first 45 and going into the break in the lead was nothing more than the home team deserved.
HALF TIME: ROVERS 1-0 Wealdstone
The home side doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark, when a McAllister free-kick found Mendy at the back post, who did the right thing and guided the ball back across the face of the goal for a well-placed Kircough to head home skillfully.
D’Mani Mellor almost made it three when substitute Ashqar Ahmed’s cut-back found the forward, but his strike was well saved by Baptiste.
Isted was then called into action when Nathan Tshikuna tried his luck from range but the Rovers shot-stopper reacted well.
Substitute Jili Buyabu will definitely feel like he should have made it three in added on time.
Josh Osude showed some great work down the right and cut it back neatly to Jili, storming into the box.
However, he couldn’t direct his effort on target and saw his effort go wide of the left-hand post.
All in all, Rovers played very well and limited Wealdstone to very few real chances.
I'm sure all will agree, it was a well earned three points and a very enjoyable watch.
Rovers are back in action on Wednesday night as they travel to The Lamb Ground to take on Tamworth.
FULL TIME: ROVERS 2-0 Wealdstone
FGR Starting XI: Isted, Mendy, Kircough, Kanu, Knowles (Ahmed 68th), Nwoko (Bunker 81st), Campbell, Clarke (Osude 68th), Kengni (Buyabu 68th), McAllister ©, Mellor (Marquez 88th)
FGR Subs (Un-Used): Pagel & Haughton
Wealdstone Starting XI: Baptiste, Cook © (Barrett 60th), Woodman, Waller (Hutchinson 60th), Ageymang, Hinchy (Wells-Morrison 60th), Tshikuna, Adu-Poku, Boldewijn, Obiero (Adarkwa 60th), Olomola
Wealdstone Subs (Un-Used): Johnson, McAvoy& Spencer
Attendance: 1738 (71 Away)
