Forest Green stage late comeback to stun Southend

Forest Green produced a brilliant late turnaround to beat Southend 2-1 and stay in touch at the top of the National League.

Harry Whitwell and Kyle McAllister both scored in the space of three minutes as Rovers bounced back from last weekend’s draw at Wealdstone to remain a point behind leaders Rochdale.

Robbie Savage’s Rovers hit the crossbar in the first half through Temi Babalola, but they appeared on course for a first defeat in six league games when Slavi Spasov turned in Gus Scott-Morriss’ shot in the 68th minute.

But Whitwell levelled from close range with 12 minutes left before McAllister won it with an effort from 30 yards.