Chester's title hopes suffered another setback as Alex Meechan's first-half goal ensured Forest Green maintained their impressive form with a 1-0 away win.

Rovers are unbeaten since their trip to leaders Yeovil on New Year's Day and secured a surprise victory at the Deva Stadium thanks to Meechan's 18th-minute effort.

He latched onto Ben Cleverley's pass before lobbing Chester goalkeeper Wayne Brown for his sixth goal of the season.

Chester striker Daryl Clare twice went close to an equaliser before the break but was denied each time by Rovers keeper Steve Perrin.

The home side were on top for much of the second half but struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances as Rovers made a mockery of their mid-table position.

When Mark Wright's men did create an opening they could find no way past Perrin, who again did well to deny Mark Beesley from close range.

At the other end, Gary Owers almost added a second goal for Rovers just after the hour-mark but his 25-yard shot was kept out by a brilliant save from Brown.

Chester: Wayne Brown, Bolland, Hatswell, Ruffer, McIntyre, Carey, Kelly, Carden, Davies, Sugden, Clare.
Subs Not Used: Griffin, Collins Twiss, Michael Brown Beesley.

Forest Green: Perrin, Jenkins, Langan, Richardson, Matthew Russell, Foster, Owers, Cleverley, Grayson, Meechan, Odejayi.
Subs Not Used: Adams, Cook, Cowe, Giannangelo, Tweddle.

Referee: Mr G Simpson (Knaresborough).