Blue Square Premier leaders Oxford United beat Forest Green in a game delayed for more than 20 first-half minutes because of floodlight failure.

James Constable got the only goal after receiving a ball from debutant Francis Green and cutting inside before firing home from 20 yards out.

With half-time approaching, the local power went out - meaning a nervy wait before the lights came back on.

Rovers pressed late on and Ryan Clarke made a fine save to deny Conal Platt.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between in windy conditions, and Rovers' Oliver Thorne saw his side's best opportunity smothered on the line by U's keeper Ryan Clarke and his defence.

Jack Midson could have sealed the win late on but the impressive Terry Burton made a fine save.

The game was a measure of revenge for Oxford, with Rovers the only team to deny them a home victory this season - following August's goalless draw.

Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday told BBC Radio Gloucestershire:

"I feel like I've ran over a cat and smashed seven mirrors.

"I felt we were better than them, and if we keep on going then we're going to get some results, I don't think we're getting any breaks.

"When we get our chances - they (Oxford) have had one moment and they've scored a goal - we just have to be better with our moments."

Forest Green: Burton, Hodgkiss, Preece, Thorne, Stonehouse, Platt, Brown, Smith, Rocastle, Powell (Ameobi 46), Joyce (Davies 62).
Subs Not Used: Pass, King, O'Cearuill.

Booked: Smith, Rocastle.

Oxford Utd: Clarke, Batt (Chapman 52), Foster, Creighton, Sandwith, Bulman, Perry, Clist, Midson, Constable (Sodje 60), Francis Green.
Subs Not Used: Turley, Day, Cook.

Booked: Green, Perry.

Goals: Constable 23.

Att: 1,610

Ref: I Smedley (Derbyshire).

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