FOREST Green Rovers' inevitable relegation from League One is closing in as their winless run stretched to 14 games following a 2-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Second-placed Argyle had lost to Barnsley last week but opened the scoring from their first attack here after winning a corner on the right.

Midfielder Jordan Houghton’s delivery was powerfully headed home from close range by central defender James Bolton in the eighth minute.

Kyle McAllister had Forest Green’s best first-half effort but his 17th-minute shot from 18 yards was easily saved by Callum Burton.

Plymouth playmaker Danny Mayor came close to increasing Argyle’s lead on 30 minutes but his shot from the edge of the box was deflected on to the upright by Harvey Bunker.

The Greens increased their lead in the 47th minute following James Wilson’s incisive run and cross from the right to the back post. Unmarked on-loan Norwich wing-back Bali Mumba headed home past Rovers keeper Lewis Thomas.

Striker Niall Ennis latched on to substitute Callum Wright’s cross but volleyed over on 62 minutes in a goalmouth scramble but Argyle had done enough.

Rovers remain without a league win in 2023 and their 24th defeat of the season means they stay rock-bottom of the League One table.

There are only nine games to go and the gap to safety is now at 12 points. They need wins and quickly to avoid the drop, but all roads lead back to League Two it seems.