ONE swallow certainly doesn't make a summer-but Gary Owers will hope new boy Johnnie Haynes will maintain Forest Green's upward momentum.

Irishman Haynes, 18, on a month's loan from Premiership bound Reading, lit up The Lawn on Friday with a debut goal in Rovers' 3-1 FA Trophy victory over Dorchester Town.

On a solid but far from inspiring game, the impressive Ben Harding, who returned to MK Dons this week, brought his productive tenure to an end by hitting the second on 35 minutes.

Dorchester hit back through Matt Groves on the cusp of the interval. However, a looping Paul Wanless header restored Rovers' two-goal buffer six minutes after the break to ease Owers' side into the last 16.

Rovers now travel to Stafford Rangers on Saturday, February 4. The tie will see Rovers come up against former striking legend Neil Grayson and goalkeeper Dean Williams.

Despite the 3-1 victory over Dorchester that stretched Rovers' unbeaten run to six games, Owers was far from happy.

He said: "Maybe I'm being a bit fussy but after seven games unbeaten, but that's probably the first time this season where we have won a game and I'm not that happy."

The Rovers boss was annoyed with defenders Jon Richardson and Luke Graham, who he felt, had dipped below recent high standards.

"Our central defenders didn't deal with Dorchester as well as they have with Conference teams this season."

Crucial matches

Owers' side now embark on what could prove to be two Conference season defining matches in just four days.

Altrincham visit Rovers on Saturday (3pm) followed by Mark Cooper's Tamworth on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Owers is expected to hand Michael Brough the midfield role vacated by Harding after capturing the former on a free transfer from Conference rivals Stevenage.

Brough, who played alongside Owers at Notts County and is a former Wales Under-21 international, has now signed an 18-month contract at Forest Green.

Madjo stays

Meanwhile, Rovers have made 21-year-old striker Guy Madjo's loan spell from Bristol City permanent. He has signed a contract until the end of the season.

However, defender Darren Davies, 27, has been released following a three-month loan spell at Tiverton Town.

Quid a kid

FOREST GREEN'S next home league fixture against Altrincham this Saturday will give children under 16 the chance to watch the action for £1. The special offer includes Junior Green Club members and away fans. Normal prices for children (£6.50) will apply for The Trevor Horsley Stand.