DELIGHTED Dave Hockaday paid tribute to Forest Green's army of supporters, Leyhill Open prisoners and club officials who cleared snow off the New Lawn pitch to enable Rovers to post their third win in four matches.

"We came on Thursday and thought there was no way the game would be played, but the players and myself stayed for three or four hours," said Hockaday.

"I came back on Saturday and it was totally different, so I have to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out and the three points makes it all worthwhile."

In truth, Rovers rode their luck at times, but the victory was deserved and Hockaday's men now find themselves out of the bottom four.

He added: "Today was a grind, but the fans stuck with us and we have given them something to sing about. We don't want to kid anybody - we've won ugly - but it's a little step up the table again and we've got to keep that momentum going.

"If we keep on nicking 1-0 wins I'll be the happiest manager going."

Former Arsenal striker Isaiah Rankin certainly didn't clear snow from the pitch at Highbury, but his 69th-minute goal made his shovelling efforts 48 hours earlier, so worthwhile.

Earlier, Gateshead gained the ascendancy. Kris Gate was twice off-target with shots from 20 yards.

Rovers looked understandably off the pace after almost three weeks of inactivity. Touches were heavy and none so more when Craig Rocastle over-cooked a simple 19th minute through-ball to Rankin and onrushing keeper Paul Farman blocked.

It was Rankin who dug out Rovers' only shot on goal in 45 minutes, curling wide from the edge of the penalty area after neat play from Mark Preece's raking pass and Conal Platt's header.

However, Hockaday's side survived a let-off just before the break. Neale McDermott swung in a teasing free-kick and Rikki Bains just failed to add a finishing touch.

Gateshead striker Daryl Clare missed two great chances in first half stoppage time. He headed against the crossbar from only three yards after keeper Terry Burton had flapped at Wayne Phillips' cross.

He later fizzed wide of the far post after Steven Richardson's flick-on.

Hockaday's side started in positive fashion after the break.

Substitute David Brown's corner fell to Preece, who arrowed wide with the outside of his right boot.

Two minutes later Tomi Ameobi's knock-down saw Platt strike wide from 25 yards.

One goal appeared the only outcome and Gateshead started to get a foothold.

Richardson watched his strike fly wide and Clare was denied by Burton's close-range block after Preece was caught out.

However, Brown's passing ability was holding sway and his long ball over the top saw the leggy Ameobi cut inside the area. His shot was parried by Farman leaving Rankin with an easy finish.

Gateshead rallied as Burton tipped over a cross-shot from McDermott. However, another Brown pass saw Farman deny Platt.

Rovers survived a late scare when Graeme Armstrong's 35-yard shot hit the base of the post.

Forest Green: T. Burton; J. O'Cearuill, M. Preece, O. Thorne (D. Brown 46), P. Stonehouse; D. Powell, J. Hodgkiss, C. Rocastle, C. Platt; T. Ameobi, I.

Rankin; Subs not used: J. Winter, J. Else, B. Osman, D. Wilkinson.

Gateshead: P. Farman; C. Baxter, R. Bains, J. Curtis, P. Cave; N. McDermott (A. Francis 79), K. Gate, D. Williams (P. Turnbull 60), W. Phillips; D.

Clare, S. Richardson (G. Armstrong 70).

Subs not used: M. Robinson, J. Provett.

Referee: W. Barrett (Worcester) Attendance: 805 Star man: Dave Brown - On as a second half substitute. His passing ability in central midfield turned the tide for Rovers.