Forest Green Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town, with Harvey Rodgers' early goal enough to separate the two teams.

Steve Cotterill made one change to the side that drew to Wrexham on Tuesday night - and that switch was enforced. Alex Gorrin has picked up a minor injury and was replaced by Dom Bernard.

Nathan Holland and Darnell Johnson missed out through illness, meaning second-year scholar Will Merrett and 16-year-old forward Isaac Hughes made the bench.

The hosts started the game brightly, winning a succession of early corners and that pressure soon paid off. Defender Harvey Rodgers took aim from 18 yards and saw his shot fly into the roof of the net.

An instant reply almost followed as Doug Tharme's defensive header fell nicely at the feet of Manny Osadebe, but his volley rippled the side netting.

The first half was short of chances, but Denver Hume got in a good crossing position down the left for the hosts but couldn't pick out a Grimsby man, before Dom Thompson found himself in a similar area for Rovers, but saw his cross cleared away.

It was Rovers who started on the front foot in the second period. Firstly, Thompson whipped in a low cross and Tharme sliced his clearance, with the ball nearly ending up in the back of his own net.

Then Doidge was on the end of a cross from the left - this time Robson was the provider - but the striker missed the target.

In the 53rd minute, Harvey Bunker saw a curling shot sail wide after Kyle McAllister went on a mazy run down the right to set him up.

While a lot of crosses went into the box, Rovers failed to trouble Harvey Cartwright in the Mariners' goal during the second half.

Next up for Cotterill's side is a visit from in-form Walsall on Saturday, March 9 (3pm).

Rovers: Reyes; Bernard (Lavinier 86'), Keogh, Moore-Taylor, Robson; Bunker (Omotoye 81'), McCann, Osadebe; McAllister, Doidge, Thompson.

Subs not used: Searle, Merrett, Maddox, Robertson, Hughes.

Star Man: Dom Thompson.

Attendance: 6,506 (120 away)

Referee: Tom Reeves.