A goal from Ben Chenery in the 15th minute proved the difference between the two sides.
Here is what a selection of the Rovers players from that day are up to now:
Chris Burns:
Midfield hardman Burns scored in the semi-final second-leg triumph at Hereford. Burns had a stellar career, helping Portsmouth reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1992.
The midfielder, who also played for Cheltenham Town & Gloucester City, now manages Hellenic League One West side Stonehouse Town, who are based near Stroud.
Now aged 53, Burns is also registered as a player for the Magpies, and has made on-pitch cameos since joining the club in 2020.
Tony Daley:
An Aston Villa legend, it was an emotional return for Daley when he came back to Villa Park.
The winger joined Forest Green in 1999, just seven years after appearing at Euro 1992 for England.
Daley is now a professional fitness coach and consultant and runs a website called https://www.7daley.co.uk/ – which focuses on nutrition and fitness.
Paul Hunt:
A Forest Green legend, Paul ‘Oggie’ Hunt struggled with injuries in the lead up to the final, and was an unused substitute at Villa Park.
Hunt – who played for Swindon under Glenn Hoddle – scored some vital goals for Forest Green as they battled against the odds in their first few years in the Conference (now the National League).
Hunt now owns the Plough Inn pub in Swindon Old Town – which Forest Green fans have been known to visit when the two sides play.
Nigel Spink:
Spink was joint manager along with David Norton for the final – before Spink took the reins fully in the following season. He was sacked by the club in 2002.
He remained as a registered player during his managerial spell. Spink is also a Villa legend, and was the goalkeeper when they won the European Cup in 1982. He remains an avid follower of the club.
Now aged 62, Spink runs a small transport company based in the Midlands called S&M Couriers.
