Forest Green Rovers were defeated 0-4 at The New Lawn in their first home pre-season clash against Coventry City. 

Rovers were caught off guard early on, with the visitors striking twice in the first six minutes. Ellis Simms put Coventry ahead with his shot finding the back of the net, followed by a second from Kasey Palmer less than a minute later.

After going 0-2 down, Rovers regained some confidence as they started to create a few chances. Kyle McAllister sent a cross directly into the box but it was blocked by the opposition's defence. 

The away side saw themselves get another goal putting them 0-3 up, with an assist from Matt Godden setting up Simms for his brace.

Rovers made their first substitution as Teddy Jenks stepped in for Callum Jones due to injury. The home side continued to create possession but the visitors’ defence stood strong - and three goals was the difference at half-time.

16 seconds into the second half, the Sky Blues extended their lead as Justin Obikwu slotted the ball nicely into the back of the open goal after the initial effort was saved by Rovers' trialist 'keeper.

A few moments later a Coventry corner led to another chance for The Sky Blues as Josh Eccles sent a shot over the bar. 

FGR found themselves with an opportunity as Trialist D almost took advantage of an open goal thanks to an error from the Coventry goalkeeper, but the ball skimmed the roof of the net. The home side denied Coventry of another goal as a challenge made by Zach McKenzie stopped them creating another attack near the Rovers box.

Rovers are back in action in under 24 hours, taking on Everton Under-21’s here at The New Lawn.  

Forest Green Rovers XI: Trialist A (G/K), Dom Bernard (C), Ryan Inniss, Kyle McAllister, Charlie McCann, Matty Stevens, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Trialist B, Reece Bunker, Callum Jones, Reece Brown

Subs: Dan Blackburn (G/K), Trialist C, Teddy Jenks, Jordan Garrick, Trialist D, Zach McKenzie, Murphy Bennett

Coventry City XI: Ben Wilson (G/K), Ryan Howley, Kyle McFadzean, Jake Bidwell, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Liam Kelly (C), Ben Sheaf, Jay Dasilva, Kasey Palmer, Ellis Simms, Matty Gooden

Subs: Brad Collins (G/K), Cian Tyler (G/K), Josh Eccles, Jack Burroughs, Dermi Lusala, Bradley Stretton, Evan Eghosa, Justin Obikwu, Tristen Batanwi, Kai Andrews, Callum Perry, Elliot Betjemann

Attendance - 1,345 (564 away)