FOREST Green manager David Horsman took responsibility for his side's 'ridiculously slow' start in the 3-0 home defeat to Newport County on Saturday.

The manager explained that Newport's long-ball tactics were worked on in training, but the visitors' Will Evans scored from that exact method after just 13 seconds to leave Rovers 1-0 down. 

"It was a ridiculously-slow start which I have said to them that I will take full responsibility and I will apologise to the fans now," said Horsman. 

"Clearly what we showed them in terms of how they play and how they go long and direct and play behind, obviously it did not drop and that is my job to teach and show them, so they come prepared."

Evans doubled his tally for the afternoon in the 24th minute to give County a 2-0 lead at the break. 

Newport made it three after 87 minutes through an Adam Lewis penalty, while Forest Green were reduced to 10 men after a straight red card for Sean Robertson at the death.

"People up to this point have worked their socks off and it was probably a game too far for one or two of them," added Horsman.

"We are all in the same boat, Newport are the same. So, there is no excuses. It (triple change at half-time) was more to try and liven us up and give us a goal threat."

Regarding Robertson’s red card, Horseman said: "Terrible tackle really and I am really disappointed with that because it is such a lack of discipline."