Resilient Rovers come from behind to claim all three points against Southend.

Forest Green Rovers came from behind with two quickfire goals to cancel out Slavi Spasov’s opener for Southend.

It was an even first half with Rovers finishing strongly, creating plenty of chances but unable to find a breakthrough.

Spasov opened the scoring by sliding in to tap home a cross at the back post midway through the second half.

A composed finish by Harry Whitwell levelled the score before a superb long-range strike from Kyle McAllister put Rovers in front.

The first chance of the game went Rovers' way as Temi Babalola released Tom Knowles down the right flank. Knowles’ driven cross reached Jayden Clarke at the front post, but he was unable to direct his effort goalwards.

Nick Haughton was quick off the mark to intercept a loose ball in midfield before driving to the edge of the area to release a low shot which deflected into the keeper’s hands at the near post.

At the half-hour mark, Rovers were unlucky not to capitalise on a good spell of possession inside the visitors' half. Clarke was able to create space to lay the ball into Haughton, who attacked the byline, and his cross was scrambled out for a goal-kick.

Minutes later, Forest Green’s continued pressure culminated in another Haughton effort, which was deflected wide for a Rovers corner.

Babalola came closest to breaking the deadlock when sending a header crashing into the crossbar from a delightful McAllister cross.

Into added time of the first half, Whitwell combined well with McAllister again, this time on the edge of the Southend penalty area, with Whitwell’s strike earning another corner.

More brilliant football from Forest Green couldn’t be converted at the end of the half. Babalola, Whitwell, and Clarke...

Half-Time: Forest Green 0–0 Southend

The visitors started the second half as the better of the two sides, but some solid defensive work from Rovers reduced them to only half-chances.

Southend came closest when Andrew Dallas broke into the area, but Harry Isted produced a fine save down low to deny the forward.

They then took the lead when Slavi Spasov latched onto a deep cross at the back post, sliding the ball past Isted as it curled goalwards.

Rovers continued to create chances for an equaliser. Haughton had the best opportunity of the game when Knowles squared the ball across the area, but his effort flew over the bar.

McAllister played through Knowles on the break with a sensational volley. He drove to the byline, but again his cross was scrambled clear by the opposition's defence.

The breakthrough came for Rovers when a cross was flicked on to the back post, where Whitwell found himself completely unmarked. The midfielder found the composure the home side had missed and rifled his volley into the bottom corner.

Minutes later, McAllister found himself with space a long way out from goal. The forward turned and rifled an effort goalwards that deceived Hayes and nestled into the far corner.

A resolute defensive effort from Rovers ensured they completed the comeback and left the New Lawn with the three points.

Full-Time: Forest Green 2–1 Southend

Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Buyabu (Moore-Taylor 84’), Kanu, Mendy, Knowles, Bunker, Clarke (Dausch 65’), Whitwell, Haughton (Moore 82’), McAllister, Babalola Subs not used: McNicholas, Inniss, Bamba, Pemberton.

Southend: Hayes, Scott-Morriss, Ralph, Dallas (Bridge 59’), Austin (Hopper 81’), Gubbins, Miley, Spasov, Coker (Morton 81’), Boyes (Walker 90+2’), Goodlife. Subs not used: Andengdi, Nwike

Attendance: 2,659 (Away 495)