C&K BASILDON got their first league win since October when they saw off fellow newly promoted side Forest Green Rovers 3-1 at Park Lane.

The win gave C&K a much-needed boost and gave them some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Nerves were calmed early on as C&K got off to the best possible start, taking the lead after just two minutes.

Kerry Stimson stood up a cross to the far post and Hannah Porter was on hand to head in.

Ten minutes later, Karissa Rodney’s volley from the edge of the penalty area went just wide of the post, as Basildon sought to take advantage of taking an early lead.

However, Forest Green had a great chance to level the scores on 18 minutes, but Cherie Rowlands produced an outstanding save to deny the visiting forward, who was clear through on goal.

Two minutes later, a quick interchange of passes between Kat Huggins and Karissa Rodney ended with Rodney finding Zoe Rushen on the edge of the penalty area, but her shot went just wide of the post.

Porter went close to doubling her tally but this time headed Amy Nash’s free kick just wide while Rodney saw a close-range shot blocked.

C&K continued to press but it looked as though their dominance would not be rewarded with a second goal before half-time until, with four minutes to the break, Rushen’s low drive was only parried out by the Forest Green keeper Abbie Morrissey and Lily Mellors was on hand to tuck home the loose ball.

Basildon opened the second half looking for a third goal to make the game safe, and after just five minutes, Porter saw her header from Nash’s corner cleared off of the line.

Forest Green’s desperate rearguard action continued to frustrate the hosts as Nash was the next to be denied by the inspired away shotstopper Morrissey.

But eventually a third goal was to arrive. Rodney escaped down the left and pulled the ball back for Rushen who steadied herself before firing into the top corner.

Three goals behind, Forest Green finally offered some attacking threat and they pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute.

But C&K held firm and nearly added a fourth late on when Nash’s low cross just missed the outstretched boot of Rodney at the far post.

The win sees Basildon consolidate their mid table place, with 16 points from 14 games, and more importantly are now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

C&K Basildon: Rowlands, Stimson, Stephanou, Lacey, Porter, Little, Huggins (Doyle), Rodney, Rushen, Mellors (Smith) and Nash (Dunsden).

Unused subs: Blowers and Pavey.