“We need you” Steve Cotterill calls to fans as Forest Green climb to National League summit after York win

Forest Green Rovers’ manager, Steve Cotterill wants his fans incredible support to continue following Rovers’ 2-0 victory over promotion rivals York City on Saturday.

Cotterill’s side leapfrogged their opponents to take over as the Vanarama National League leaders thanks to second half crackers from Harvey Bunker and Kyle McAllister.

“It was an enjoyable, great win. I thought we were the better team in the second half because in the first half we were slightly passive.

“In the second half I thought we were strong, we were powerful and maybe could’ve scored another goal or two but if you’d given me the final scoreline that it would become I would’ve taken that.

“Being honest I was disappointed with our performance in the first half because we didn’t do the things we had been doing in previous games.

“But caviat to that we were playing York City, who were top of the table, they’re a good team and maybe that threw us a bit,” Cotterill said.

It was tightly contested first period highlighting the strengths of the top two teams but Rovers’ came out swinging in the second period breaking the deadlock on 64 minutes with Bunker picking out the top corner.

McAllister made sure of the three points on 83 minutes drilling home off the post sending the home crowd into ecstacy which Cotterill hopes will happen more often this season.

“Our crowd were incredible tonight as well. I want to say to them please don’t just turn up because we’re playing a team that’s top of the table because we need you in those other games,” he said.

Rovers could’ve had a couple more on the night with Bunker having an earlier chance tightly ruled offside with a few more calls coming quickly after.

“I haven’t seen them back quite yet. One looks really close to me, but the other one I feel was offside but not having seen them back i don’t want to answer where I could be incorrect,” he said.

The Nailsworth based side opened up a two point gap at the top heading into one of the busiest periods of the season but the experineced boss knows it’s too early to start any celebrations.

“We’re grounded anyway. I’ve not known any leagues that hands out medals in November so it just makes for a nice night.

“We’ve now just got keep building these three points, keep chipping away in these winter months and hopefully get some of the injuries back to give a little bit more competition for us,” he said.

Rovers return to action on Saturday November 23^rd when they take a trip to Southend United hoping to make it eight games unbeaten in the league.