Match Report | Merthyr Town 1-2 FGR

Forest Green Rovers made it three wins from three in pre-season with a 2-1 win at National League North side Merthyr Town.

First-half goals from Kyle Ajayi and Thomas Conteh secured victory at Penydarren Park.

Ajayi opened the scoring after five minutes before the home side pulled level after 23 minutes.

It wasn't level for long, though, as Conteh restored Rovers’ advantage just three minutes later.

Ricardo Rees was unfortunately unable to play on his return to South Wales, but that didn't stop him receiving a warm welcome from all corners.

First Half:

Rovers started the game the better, and it wasn't long before the first chance.

Nick Haughton’s cross after four minutes caused some issues in the Merthyr box, but the Martyrs' ‘keeper Jaimie Cogman eventually gathered the ball.

The early pressure paid off a minute later, though, as Ajayi was able to tuck away Jayden Clarke’s corner.

Rovers kept their bright start going, and four minutes later Kairo Mitchell came close to making it two, but his effort agonisingly came off the bar.

The hosts were back on level terms after 23 minutes with “Trialist 2” applying the finish at the far post after some good work down the right.

It wasn’t long until Robbie Savage’s side found the net again as just two minutes later Rovers went back ahead thanks to Conteh.

The 17-year-old slid in at the back post to net his fourth goal of pre-season already.

Neil Kengni could have made it three for Rovers on the stroke of half-time if it wasn't for Cogman,  who rushed back to keep the Rovers man out after originally being caught out of position.

HALF TIME: Merthyr Town 1-2 Forest Green Rovers

Second Half:

Rovers made six changes at half-time, including one in the net with Fiachra Pagel coming on for Luke McNicholas.

Mitchell came close to adding a third three minutes into the second half, but his effort cannoned off the post.

Savage made a further three changes after 59 minutes with youngsters Will Merrett, Gennaro Bifulco and Lewis Williams all coming on for the final half hour.

Elis Watts had an ambitious effort from distance in the 75th minute, but Pagel comfortably dealt with the attempt.

Paul Michael’s side had an excellent opportunity to level things two minutes from time, but Charlie Caswell fired his effort over the bar.

Rovers saw out a much quieter second half to come away with a 2-1 win.

Next up is a return to The New Lawn on Tuesday with League Two side Bristol Rovers being the visitors to GL6.

Our clash against The Gas is the first of four home friendlies against EFL opposition before our season opener against FC Halifax Town in 20 days.

Home games against Cardiff City, Bristol City and Swindon Town are also part of our pre-season schedule.

FULL TIME: Merthyr Town 1-2 Forest Green Rovers

Line-ups:

Merthyr Town: Cogman, Ryan-Phillips (12’ Margetson), Foulston (73’ Bourne), Wigley (73’ Watts), Evans (73’ Smerdon), Harris, Pearson (73’ Caswell), Evans, Trialist 2 (64’ Livermore), Lucas (64’ Simpson), Spiers (73’ Trialist 1)

Subs (not used): None

Forest Green Rovers: McNicholas (46’ Pagel), Agina (46’ Pemberton), Ajayi (46’ Kircough), Kengni (46’ Robson), Campbell (59’ Bifulco), Clarke (46’ Walsh), Etaluku (46’ Bonnick), Haughton (59’ Williams), Conteh, Mitchell (69’ Osawe), Obi (59’ Merrett)

Subs (not used): None