Stanley boss John Coleman was pleased his side "found a way to win" despite not being at their best at Forest Green.

Jack Nolan scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as the Reds spoiled Steve Cotterill's first game in charge at the New Lawn.

The hosts started brightly with a flurry of early chances, but forward Matty Stevens guided Callum Jones’ low cross narrowly past the post in their best opening.

Stanley were awarded a spot kick when Ryan Inniss upended Alex Henderson inside the area, when it seemed certain goalkeeper Luke Daniels would claim the incoming cross. Nolan made no mistake to hammer straight down the middle.

The hosts made a flying start to the second half when Fankaty Dabo found Emmanuel Osadebe inside the area but his turn and shot went off target.

Jamie Robson delivered an inviting low cross for Stevens but he couldn’t divert his sliding effort goalwards and the Reds held on for all three points.

“It’s given me a new lease of life working with these players. They’re like sponges for knowledge," said Coleman.

“We were nowhere near the attacking force we normally are and we were a bit rusty.

“The last time we won 1-0 here, we got promoted, but there’s still a long way to go. It was all about winning today and we found a way to win.”

The result leaves Stanley 10th in the League Two table - three points off the play-off places.