Forest Green Rovers extended their league unbeaten run to eight games drawing 2-2 with Southend United in tricky conditions at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Steve Cotterill named just a single change from his side that beat York City last Saturday as Harry Cardwell replaced Joe Quigley, on his return to his former club.

Rovers started the game the brighter of the two sides and almost went ahead on 16 minutes when Tom Knowles saw a driven effort well saved by Collin Andeng Ndi.

Harvey Bunker took aim next on 29 minutes with a strike from just outside the box which forced the Shrimpers’ goalkeeper into a smart low save.

But minutes before half time, Bunker did find the back of net with a diving header following a delightful Jamie Robson cross, seeing the 21-year-old score for the third successive match.

The Shrimpers almost went into the break level but an outrageous save by Jed Ward saw a low Jack Bridge effort tipped onto the post.

Rovers started the second period on top again with Knowles almost doubling the lead on 56 minutes when Charlie McCann picked him out before unleashing an effort which was denied well by Andeng Ndi.

The Shrimpers equalised through Nathan Ralph on 63 minutes when he met a long ball into the area to divert past Ward.

Just 10 minutes later, Rovers regained the lead as substitute Christian Doidge punished a Andeng Ndi spilled ball after being on the pitch for just five minutes.

Rovers could’ve been out of sight three minutes later when Bunker tried his luck from distance but saw it rebound off the post.

Straight down the other end the Shrimpers got back level when Oliver Coker pounced on a loose ball in the area to hammer home from close range rounding off the scoring for the afternoon.

Rovers are back in National League action on Wednesday night hoping to get back to winning ways when we host FC Halifax Town at The New Lawn.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Starting XI - Ward (GK), Long, Tozer (Inniss 68’), Moore-Taylor ©, Robson, May, McCann, Bunker (Quigley 82’), Knowles (Jenks 68’), McAllister, Cardwell (Doidge 68’).

Unused subs - Searle (GK), Lavinier, Osadebe

Player of the Match - Harvey Bunker

Attendance - 6,725 (151 away)