Forest Green will play Newport County away in the first leg semi-final of the League Two play-offs in 10 days’ time after Aaron Collins’ second-half double was enough to help Jimmy Ball’s side book their place in the play-offs after a 3-0 victory at Oldham Athletic.
Two goals in as many minutes settled a nervy afternoon for Rovers. Sub Jayden Richardson was brought to ground after a lung-busting run ended with the Nottingham Forest loanee upended in the box – Collins planting his penalty comfortably home to give Rovers the lead on 63 minutes.
And in a blink of an eye, it was 2-0 – Collins chasing a Udoka Godwin-Malife ball down and dancing along the byline to tee-up Odin Bailey to slot home.
Collins sealed it with his 10th goal of the season on 80 minutes – running from his own half with a galloping run to evade Oldham keeper Laurie Walker.
Baily Cargill almost made it 4-0 at the death but he was blocked out after a surging run.
Rovers finished the regular season in sixth with 73 points – interim head coach Jimmy Ball winning three and drawing two of his six games in charge.
With a place at Wembley the carrot, Rovers will make the short journey to Newport County in the first leg semi-final on Tuesday, May 18, 8.15pm, with the return leg on Sunday, May 23, 6.30pm.
