Forest Green recorded a 3-1 victory over Southampton U21s in their opening Papa John's Trophy match of the campaign.

A trio of defensive scorers for Rovers with Baily Cargill, Dom Bernard and Oliver Casey finding the back of the net secured all three points at The Bolt New Lawn.

It was the Saints youngsters who took the lead, however - courtesy of Olly Lancashire's towering header beyond keeper Lewis Thomas just after the half-hour mark.

Moments later and Cargill fired the home side level. Stretching at the far post, striker Josh March managed to keep the ball in play for Rovers defender to sweep the ball into the back of the net.

Ian Burchnall's charges continued to look dangerous and managed to go into the break in the lead. A free-kick sent into the area from Armani Little was ricocheted into the path of Bernard - who coolly put his side ahead.

Rovers looked the stronger of the two sides in the second half - and managed to cement their victory thanks to Oliver Casey. The Blackpool-loanee did well to nod his effort at goal from substitute Jacob Jones' cross - and despite the Saints stopper's best efforts, the assistant referee ruled the goal to have crossed the lined.

The home side were reduced to ten men on the 72nd minute when Little looked to stop a Southampton counter-attack with a late challenge - and referee Charles Breakspear was quick to show the red card for the former Torquay United man.