Kyle McAllister’s late strike earned Forest Green Rovers all three points as they beat Braintree Town 2-1 at The New Lawn.

Steve Cotterill named two changes to his side who defeated Weymouth last Saturday seeing Jed Ward and Jordan Moore-Taylor back in the starting XI.

Rovers started brightly and went close on six minutes through Tom Knowles who dragged a low effort agonisingly past the post.

But it was the visitors who struck first inside 10 minutes when Finley Wilkinson followed up a Inih Effiong blocked effort to drill low past Jed Ward.

Rovers continued to grow and almost went level on 28 minutes when Kyle McAllister saw a driven effort deflected wide.

Rovers persistence paid off on 35 minutes as Ryan Inniss’ headed clearance over the top found McAllister who’s effort fell into the path of Harry Cardwell who bundled the ball over the line to level the game.

Cardwell almost had Rovers ahead at the break when his glancing header from Adam May’s corner flew wide in additional time.

Rovers started the second period on top again and almost manufactured a way into the lead on 62 minutes when McAllister picked out Knowles in the box, but his effort was well-blocked.

And Cotterill’s side came a woodwork width away from leading when substitute, Christian Doidge tried lifting the ball over the Braintree goalkeeper but is rebounded back of the post on 78 minutes.

But with three minutes of normal time left McAllister put Rovers ahead when his thunderous volley flew past Lucas Colovan in the Braintree goal, earning Rovers all three points.

It’s a quick turnaround for Rovers as we are back at The New Lawn on Tuesday night as we host Ebbsfleet United with kick off at 7:45pm.

Match Highlights.

Starting XI: Ward (GK), Osadebe, Inniss, McAllister (Tozer 90+7’), McCann, Sercombe (Doidge 71’), Knowles (Long 82’), Moore-Taylor ©, Robson, May, Cardwell (Quigley 79’)

Bench: Searle (GK), Bunker, Maddox

Player of the Match: Emmanuel Osadebe

Attendance: 1,997