JORGE Rubenstein and his BEST Holdings consortium will not be top of Ibon Arrieta's Christmas card list as his Town career continued to disappoint last night.

The Spanish striker cut a frustrated and disconsolate figure as Swindon reserves won at their Forest Green counterparts 1-0 and he could not blamed for checking the first plane out of England.

Arrieta arrived in Wiltshire, at the bequest of former Town suitors BEST Holdings, along with Franklin Anzite and Mauro Almeida, both of who also featured last night, but their Town careers are clearly numbered.

Town boss Paul Sturrock has made it obvious they are surplus to requirements but with contracts at the County Ground until the end of the season at least, it could be a long few months.

Arrieta, the one who has shown the most potential, has the security of a two-year deal under his belt but many repeats of last night's freezing evening in Gloucestershire and he might be tempted to call it a day and return to sunnier climbs.

His work rate and attitude could not be faulted, firing in seven shots before the break, but almost seeing red for petulance towards the end, one could not help but sympathise with his plight.

The guys who brought the trio to Town have long disappeared into the sunset but for Arrieta, Anzite and Almeida their English dream is fast turning into a nightmare.

Frenchman Anzite actually made it three goals in as many reserve games with a first-half winner in last night's clash but it was the club's youngsters that really showed promise for the future.

Sixteen-year-old Kurt Hammond was outstanding in the centre of the park, winning every tackle and driving forward forcefully, while alongside him Chris Allen showed he is technically one of the best players at the club.

Chris Blackburn proved there is more to come from him while his centre back partner Andy Nicholas reacted well to losing his first-team place with a solid display. Young Welshman Kaid Mohamed was a constant threat all evening and, with first team coaches John Blackley and Kevion Summerfield watching, Sturrock would have received some favourable reports.

After watching his side retain their unbeaten start to the Pontins Combination Wales and West campaign, Dave Byrne said: "It was a very decent run out, especially first half.

"It would have been very easy for the guys to put their jaws on the floor at not being involved in the first team but they reacted well and showed what they are all about.

"John (Blackley) and Kevin (Summerfield) were here and I am sure they will be telling the manager all about it. The players would have done their cause no harm with that performance."

Town's first chance came on eight minutes when speedy Lloyd Macklin crossed from the right and Arrieta was unlcuky to see his shot on the turn flash just wide.

The Spaniard continued to cause the hosts trouble but his hopeful shooting, this time a 30-yard volley, was never causing Rovers' keeper Terry Burton problems.

Kaid Mohamed then had a header easily saved by Burton, before Town's dominance finally told with the opening goal on 25 minutes.

Callum Kennedy's fiercely whipped free kick from the right was prodded home by Frenchman Franklin Anzite.

The visitors continued to press and Arrieta almost extended the lead, shooting straight at Burton after a driving run from Mohamed.

The game continued in similar fashion after the break, with Hammond particulalry impressive in the middle of the park.

Mohamed almost doubled the lead when he dragged a shot wide and then curled an effort wide, as his pace and trickery caused Rovers problems.

Allen hit a post with a 20-yard free-kick before Blackburn had a strike saved after quick feet from substitute Jack Winter.

Town team: Mark Scott, Mauro Almeida, Callum Kennedy, Kurt Hammonds, Chris Blackburn, Andy Nicholas, Lloyd Macklin, Chris Allen, Ibon Arrieta, Kaid Mohamed, Franklin Anzite Subs: Tom Evans, Sam Morris, Jake Hyde, Jack Winter, Adam Everiss.