Isaiah Rankin's second-half goal was the difference as Forest Green edged out Gateshead at the New Lawn.

The former Arsenal striker tapped home Tomi Ameobi's cross after great work from his strike partner.

Rankin's goal came minutes after he went close with a powerful effort following some neat play in the box.

At the other end Gateshead's Steven Richardson saw an effort go just wide, and Graeme Armstrong struck a 20-yard shot which hit the bar late on.

Forest Green: Burton, O'Cearuill, Preece, Thorne (Brown 46), Stonehouse, Platt, Rocastle, Hodgkiss, Powell, Rankin, Ameobi.
Subs Not Used: Wilkinson, Winter, Else, Osman.

Goals: Rankin 69.

Gateshead: Farman, Baxter, Bains, Curtis, Cave, McDermott (Francis 79), Gate, Phillips, Williams (Turnbull 59), Richardson (Armstrong 70), Clare.
Subs Not Used: Provett, Robinson.

Booked: Williams.

Att: 805.

Ref: W Barratt (Halesowen).

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