Forest Green Rovers' caretaker boss David Brown suffered a third straight defeat after substitute Ross Stearn was adjudged to have fouled Michael Rankine in the penalty area in the 74th minute.

Rankine's successful spot-kick was added to at the death by Adam Smith.

Rovers came through a frantic opening 20 minutes unscathed, with two wayward free-kicks from Jon Else the best they could muster.

York's first-half threat was more sporadic thereafter, although Terry Burton had to be sharp again to keep out Michael Gash's shot on the turn at the near post.

The visitors began the second period with some controlled possession, yet they were fortunate not to concede a penalty in the 52nd minute when Jon Challinor shoved Andy Ferrell in the back.

Former Rovers player Alex Lawless burst clear, only for Burton to save with his legs.

Stearn was penalised for supposedly upending Rankine and the big striker picked himself up to convert the penalty.

The Minstermen broke through again in the 90th minute. Substitute Smith latched onto Craig Nelthorpe's pass, cut inside Ben Pugh and finished.

Pugh replaced the injured Curtis McDonald.