FGR's pre-season campaign starts with victory against the Mitres
Rovers began preparation towards the 2026/27 season in perfect style, defeating fellow Gloucestershire side Bishops Cleeve at Kayte Lane.
Nick Haughton broke the deadlock inside four minutes after Ifeanyi was fouled inside the 18-yard box; dispatching his spot-kick into the bottom left corner beyond the diving Cleeve keeper.
However, the hosts responded shortly after, Evans-Harriott nodding the ball down to Reagan Messenger, who scored and drew Cleeve level.
Second half goals from Gabe Kircough and Thomas Conteh ensured Rovers started 26/27 with a win.
First Half:
After signing earlier in the day, Sydney Agina made his debut alongside fellow new signings, Kyle Ajayi and Bryan Ifeanyi.
The hosts' captain, Ross Langworthy, had the first attack of the evening. In the second minute, he saw his close-range effort drift just wide of Pagels' upright.
The first goal of the evening came not long after.
Bryan Ifeanyi, who had impressed early on, was brought down inside the box after a heavy challenge.
The ref pointed the spot and Nick Haughton hammered it in the bottom left corner past a diving Gilder.
Rovers came close again not long after as Will Merrett laid the ball off to Kengni on the left flank, but his strike was wide of the mark.
Messenger levelled things up at Kayte Lane; after Charlie Holliday’s cross found Evans-Harriott. He was able to lay the ball off to the goalscorer, who struck the ball into the net with ease.
Forest Green looked to regain the lead within the first 45 minutes after a plethora of chances came and went for Savage’s side.
Jose Marquez was gifted the ball over the top to allow him a one-on-one opportunity with the Cleeve goalkeeper; however, his effort drifted left of the post.
Half-Time: Bishops Cleeve 1-1 Forest Green
Second Half:
Rovers made 10 substitutions at half-time to give well-needed minutes to more of the squad, including another debutant, Emeka Obi.
FGR came close early on in the second half, with Thomas Conteh having a great chance. He weaved his way through the Mitres’ defence but unfortunately fired over the bar.
Luke McNicholas was called into action after Holliday slipped through the defensive line, but saw his effort blocked well by the Rovers keeper.
After a dominant first 25 minutes, FGR retook the lead.
Max Robson, standing over a corner saw Kircough glide towards the near post and put it on a plate for him.
Kircough swept the ball beautifully past Gilder into the bottom corner.
The keeper stood no chance and it was 2-1 Rovers.
Rovers continued to have the lion's share of possession, with nice link-up play all over the park.
They were rewarded in the 83rd minute with a goal from Thomas Conteh.
Conteh latched onto a fizzed cross from fellow academy graduate, Akai Bonnick to put the game beyond Bishops Cleeve.
A great first run out for the players on a beautifully sunny Gloucestershire evening.
Next up for Rovers is a behind closed doors friendly against local side, Slimbridge.
Full-Time: Bishops Cleeve 1-3 Forest Green
Line ups:
Forest Green: Pagel(46’ McNicholas), Kengni (46’ Robson), Ajayi (46’ Kircough), Haughton (46’ Pemberton), Campbell (46’ Bonnick) , Osude (46’ Aldridge, Ifeanyi (36’ Bifulco), Marquez (46’ Conteh), Walsh(46’ Aldridge), Agina (46’ Robinson), Merrett (46’ Obi)
Subs (Not used): None
Bishops Cleeve : Gilder, Turner, Lee, Nelmes (46’ Liddiard), McLean (66’ Chaplin), Langworthy (C) (33’ Davis), Evans- Harriott (66’ Lawrence) , Messenger, Sambu (66’ Sutherland), Holliday.
Subs (not used): None
