Matty Taylor scored on his return from injury as Forest Green Rovers fell to a controversial 2-1 defeat to Swindon Town. 

Troy Deeney made an enforced double change from Boxing Day’s defeat as Jordan Moore-Taylor withdrew from the squad with a slight knock and Callum Jones was serving a one-match suspension. Dom Bernard and Teddy Jenks started in their place.

The controversy started within the opening minute as Callum Morton was brought down by Swindon keeper, Lewis Ward, whilst through on goal but the referee waved play on.   

However, it was a slow opening forty-five with Rovers' best chance coming from Charlie McCann who had a low driven effort saved by Ward on 32 minutes. 

But the second period kicked into gear when Swindon took the lead on 56 minutes after Dan Kemp curled home a low effort from 18-yards.  

Shortly after, Rovers were denied another big call by the referee when Matty Stevens was wrestled down, through on goal, by ex-Rovers man Udoka Godwin-Malife. 

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Taylor was granted his first appearance since October, and it only took five minutes for him to get off the mark. 

Alfie Bendle squared a low cross towards Taylor who turned it past Ward from close range to get Rovers back level in the game. 

But Kemp put Swindon back in front six minutes later when he emphatically turned a low cross high into Luke Daniels’ net from close range. 

Rovers boss Deeney found himself watching the remainder of the match from the stands when he was sent off with just minutes remaining. 

Despite the manager's dismissal, Rovers tried everything to find an equaliser and were given an opportunity in the eighth minute of additional time to do so. 

Rovers were finally awarded a penalty which Stevens stepped up to take but his effort was beaten away by Ward. 

It’s another quick turnaround for Rovers as we kick off 2024 at The New Lawn, welcoming AFC Wimbledon for our League Two encounter on Monday.