Forest Green Rovers 0 Kettering Town 2: Forest Green were booed off after former hero Mark Cooper guided his Kettering side to victory.

Two goals in the space of three first-half minutes proved fatal to the home side, who sprang a confidence leak and resorted to the kind of over-complicated approach that drives supporters mad.

For manager Jim Harvey, it was a depressingly familiar tale.

It had all started so promisingly, with Simon Clist – making his 100th appearance for Rovers in midfield – fizzing a low 20-yard effort wide.

Harvey's men dictated most of the early play and Kettering only looked remotely threatening from the long throws of Exodus Geohaghan.

But possession counts for nothing if the simplest of set-pieces can unhinge a defence, and failure to deal with Tommy Jaszczun's delivery in the 29th minute enabled Alfie Potter to waltz into the penalty area and finish clinically in the bottom corner.

Shock quickly turned to despair in the Rovers ranks, as Gareth Seddon's flick-on struck Darran Kempson on the arm from very close range and referee John Farries somewhat harshly pointed to the penalty spot.

Terry Burton had no chance as Seddon drilled home his 13th goal of the season.

Kettering visibly grew in confidence and Seddon was disappointed to shank over when well placed.

The Poppies' top scorer failed to reappear for the second half due to injury, replaced by Iyesden Christie, while Harvey beefed up his attack by introducing target-man Mike Symons.

But as time ticked away the visitors looked increasingly comfortable and it was no surprise that the final whistle was greeted with jeers from Rovers fans.