Top-flight Brown helps out Rovers

BOSS Mark Cooper hailed Reece Brown’s ‘Premier League ability’ after Forest Green’s win at local rivals Cheltenham Town.

Christian Doidge’s 43rd minute goal was enough to seal the points for Rovers, who gave their Football League survival chances a major lift.

But playing at the top of a midfield diamond, former Birmingham City youngster Brown was a thorn in Cheltenham’s side throughout.

“In my opinion Reece Brown has Premier League ability, it is just trying to get the other side of the game,” Cooper said.

“We played him because we identified a big space in front of Cheltenham’s back four where he could pick the ball up and twist and turn and that is what he did.

“We just have to get our own house in order, it was disappointing last week at Barnet, but we have bounced back in a local derby.

“We need another win and it should be done and dusted then.

“Our fans were brilliant and it should be like this every week, but we have to give them something to shout for.”

Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson admitted his side were second best on the day.

“We didn’t start well and they started brighter,” he said.

“We didn’t really get ourselves into the game.

“They looked like they were fighting for their lives. Our boys didn’t really turn up in terms of the battle or mental toughness.

“Credit to them, they have come here and won an important game.”

Doidge was set up by strike partner Reuben Reid and he showed his quality with a fine finish inside the top right corner from just inside the box.

It was the Welshman’s 17th League Two goal of the season and his 22nd in total.

Rovers deserved their lead, defending well and looked dangerous going forward with Brown, Doidge and Reid.

Cheltenham goalkeeper Scott Flinders had to touch a freekick from Chris Clements over the bar in the 33rd minute.

Reid set up Brown early in the second half and his effort on the turn was well gathered by Flinders.

A flick from Gavin Gunning after a Brown free-kick dropped just wide of the far post.

Cheltenham’s best chance fell to leading scorer Mohamed Eisa, but Brad Collins turned it around the post well, diving low to his left.

Front men Danny Wright and Brian Graham were both sent on from the bench, but Cheltenham could not find a way through.