Sam’s Section: Rovers fate sealed & Foresters play-off joy
Well it has been a very, very busy week in the footballing world around Gloucestershire with quite a bit to unpack but I’m here to narrow down the highlights.
And I start with the unfortunate news that Forest Green Rovers’ relegation from League Two was confirmed on Tuesday night following Colchester United’s 2-0 win over Grimsby Town.
Rovers suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat away to Wrexham last Saturday, who secured promotion that day, and with results going against them needed a miracle to arise on Tuesday to keep their survival hopes alive.
But as it was Rovers suffered a second successive relegation which saw their seven year stay in the Football League come to an end as they fall back into the National League.
Steve Cotterill installed belief back into the Rovers side and fanbase taking 17 points from his first 17 games which saw the side climb out of the drop zone once but also stay within touching distance all the way.
Rovers will want to end the season has strong as possible as their final two games in League Two see them travel to Morecambe on Saturday before facing Notts County at home next Saturday.
Morecambe vs Forest Green Rovers (EFL League Two- Saturday 20th April; 15:00 kick off)
Next up let’s take a look at the whirlwind that has been the Hellenic League Premier this week which saw Cinderford Town clinch a playoff spot, play that playoff semi-final, all while having one more league game to play.
On Monday afternoon the league confirmed all playoff semi-final games would take place on Wednesday 17th April with the Foresters still to play two league games around that date.
The Foresters knew they needed just three points to leapfrog Slimbridge and clinch the final spot which they did with narrow 1-0 win over Mangotsfield United on Monday night.
Fast forward to Wednesday night, the Foresters travelled to Corsham Town, possibly the favourites to join Worcester City in promotion.
But, despite playing their fourth game in seven days, Cinderford stole a 1-0 win at Corsham and will now face Royal Wootton Bassett in the final on Tuesday 30th April.
The Foresters do have a chance to warm-up before then as their final league game against champions, Worcester City, takes place on Monday night at the Causeway Ground.
Cinderford Town vs Worcester City- Causeway Ground (Hellenic League Premier- Monday 22nd April – 19:45 kick off)
Royal Wootton Bassett vs Cinderford Town (Step 5 Play-Off Final- Tuesday 30th April- KO 7:45pm)
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter (X) @SJY_Journo for more
READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
