Colchester United beaten at home by Forest Green Rovers

Matty Stevens' ninth-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides, leaving the U's still eight points above the League Two relegation zone.

Forest Green showed why they are closing in on promotion to the third tier in the first half with a fine attacking display.

But the U's stayed in the game well and made the visitors work hard for their victory, in the end.

And they almost salvaged a point when substitute Junior Tchamadeu's low effort smacked a post, late on.

Colchester were aiming to generate as much cash as possible for the Ukraine humanitarian effort by selling every seat for the discounted £10 admission fee.

The U’s, sporting the yellow and blue national colours of Ukraine, made two changes to their starting line-up in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

John Akinde and Tyreik Wright were both recalled, with Luke Hannant missing out through illness and Owura Edwards absent due to a leg injury.

U’s interim head coach Wayne Brown had called on his team to make a rapid start against the leaders and he almost got his wish with an early goal.

After a purposeful Colchester break, Noah Chilvers' fierce low effort was parried by keeper Luke McGee and the ball was eventually cleared.

But that effort only seemed to spur the visitors into action and they began to quickly dominate.

Matty Stevens' close-range effort was saved by Colchester keeper Shamal George following Daniel Sweeney's cross into the box.

And Forest Green came even closer in the sixth minute when Jack Aitchison's fierce 20-yard effort clattered the U's crossbar from Ebrima Adams’ assist, following a swift break from the visitors.

Rovers eventually took the lead in the ninth minute when Stevens stooped to head home Sweeney's delivery from the right.

It left Colchester up against it and seemingly not content with the one goal, the visitors pushed hard for a second.

George made a smart save to deny Jamille Matt from close range and the U’s keeper made another smart stop seconds later, racing out to the edge of his area to deny Adams, who had broken the U's offside trap.

George got down low to stop Aitchison's fierce effort just before the half hour but Colchester did still pose a threat, with Noah Chilvers’ effort blocked after Wright's great pass had unlocked the Rovers defence.

The U’s went in at the break trailing but stayed in the contest.

They almost found an unconventional route back into the match when Sears' intended cross dipped under the crossbar, forcing McGee to back pedal and gather at the second attempt.

Colchester made a change with 20 minutes to go, sending on Corie Andrews for Akinde in a bid to force an equaliser.

They were desperately close to getting on with seven minutes remaining when substitute Tchamadeu's low effort rattled the near post.

But they were unable to salvage a point, as Forest Green claimed victory.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: George, Coxe, Chambers, Smith, Kenlock, Skuse, Wiredu (sub Thomas, 85), Chilvers, Wright (sub Tchamadeu, 80), Akinde (sub Andrews, 71), Sears.

Subs (not used): Welch-Hayes, Dallison, Kennedy, Hornby.

U’s man of the match: Noah Chilvers.

Forest Green Rovers: McGee, Wilson, Sweeney, Cargill, Stevenson, Adams, Aitchison, Cadden, Moore-Taylor, Matt, Stevens (sub March, 85).

Subs (not used): Thomas, Allen, Young, Hendry, Diallo, McAteer.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Bookings: Colchester: Coxe (foul, 64).

Goals: Forest Green: Stevens (9).

Attendance: 6,140 (200 Forest Green fans).