EASTLEIGH boss Kelvin Davis was encouraged despite his side suffering a late 2-1 defeat to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Jamie Robson notched a late winner for the hosts at the New Lawn to move within two points of National League leaders Barnet.

Steve Cotterill’s men took the lead in the 64th minute via an own goal by Eastleigh goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, who misjudged Sean Long’s cross.

The contest was all square again four minutes later as club captain Jake Taylor sent a penalty past Fabian Mrozek.

Eastleigh were awarded a penalty after Richard Brindly's effort struck the arm of a Forest Green defender on route to goal.

Robson then struck in the first minute of stoppage time to secure victory for Rovers, finishing on the follow-up after Harvey Bunker’s effort hit the post.

It leaves Forest Green – unbeaten in the league since September – two points behind Barnet with a game in hand over the Bees, who drew 0-0 at Boston.

Meanwhile, Davis’ Eastleigh have dropped a place to 14th having suffered a third successive loss.

The boss told the Spitfires media team: "I think our first-half performance was particularly strong. We were really unfortunate to not go into half-time with the lead.

"We knew what to expect today. I think the lads stood very strong and produced a really high-level performance. We didn't talk about it and analyse it.

"There's an obvious error in the game. Joe (McDonnell) is an honest lad and that kind of put us on the back foot.

"Again, the character from the team after that to not stop, keep driving forward. I think the chance that led to the penalty was a very well-worked goal from back to front.

"Jake Taylor put the penalty away very well. So I'm disappointed to end up with nothing from the game.

He continued: "We were talking about it during the game. I think they made seven or eight very, very good blocks in and around the six-yard and edge of the box area.

"You just felt,  was it going to be our day because we created a lot of chances and caused them a lot of stress at the back.

"In the end, it was a penalty decision that went our way. Obviously, the referee got a better view of it than we did, but it was about keeping that pressure on.

"We stayed in their half and played in their half and created opportunities for ourselves. We did that very, very well today."

Loanee Rekeil Pyke was forced off with a hamstring issue 12 minutes in, adding to Eastleigh's backlog of injury issues.

Fellow forward Scott Quigley was however back in the squad and entered the field for the final 25 minutes.

Eastleigh return to action against local rivals Aldershot Town at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday, February 15.