Jonathan Smith scored the only goal to earn Forest Green a vital win in their push to move out of the drop zone.

Darren Kempson had an early header saved by Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Lance Cronin, who kept out Darren Jones's 20-yard free-kick shortly after.

Smith scored for the third game in a row in the 42nd minute, drilling his shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

Michael Symonds nearly doubled the lead three minutes from time but Cronin saved well to keep out his effort.

Ebbsfleet United: Cronin, Slatter, Hawkins, Pooley (Ricketts 51), Opinel, Long, Barrett (Murray 71), Hand, Purcell, Gash, Moore (Ibe 81).
Subs Not Used: French, Stone.

Booked: Opinel, Gash.

Forest Green: Burton, Gill, Jones, Kempson, McDonald (Rigoglioso 68), Thomas (Symonds 67), Clist, Smith, Fowler, Stonehouse, Mangan (Low 75).
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Preece.

Goals: Smith 42.

Att: 728

Ref: M Stewart (Essex).

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version