Two very late goals denied Everton icon Duncan Ferguson the dream start as Forest Green Rovers manager after his side were beaten 2-1 by Shrewsbury Town.
They took the lead after 18 minutes through Jordan Garrick and they maintained their one-goal advantage until stoppage time. But it was the late show at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
The bottom boys of League One were within touching distance of not only their first win under Ferguson but a first win since December 10.
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However, Rekeil Pyke and Ryan Bowman had different ideas as they were on target in a two-goal stoppage-time salvo for Salop. The equaliser came in the 94th minute, with the decisive strike in the 98th.
The outcome means Rovers miss the chance to hack away at the four-point deficit separating them and safety as they sit adrift in the third tier of English football.
Former Everton striker Ferguson was tentatively linked with the vacant position at his old club following the sacking of Frank Lampard. Despite enjoying two caretaker roles previously, he took his first steps in management when he was appointed permanent manager in Gloucestershire.
There is no let-up for Ferguson's side as he will be in the home dugout for the first time at The New Lawn Stadium when they welcome playoff-chasing Peterborough next week.
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