Forest Green Rovers courageous fight was unrewarded as they exited the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, losing 1-0 to Oxford United at The New Lawn.

David Horseman named a strong side after a weekend off, which included a first start in almost two months for defender Ryan Inniss. 

Rovers had the first real chance of the game which took until the 37th minute when Charlie McCann looped a volleyed effort just over the bar. 

Five minutes later, McCann was denied when his shot was cleared off the line before Teddy Jenks followed up, curling a left-footed effort narrowly wide.  

Rovers fell behind four minutes after the restart when Josh Murphy picked out Tyler Goodrham who volleyed into the bottom right corner from 12-yards. 

Rovers responded well and Tyrese Omotoye almost levelled moments later when he turned inside the area to flick a shot just wide of the post. 

Straight down the other end Gatlin O’Donkor came close to double the visitors lead but turned his effort over the bar from close range.  

Another goal line clearance denied Rovers on the hour mark when Ryan Inniss’ bullet header was blocked by an Oxford defender. 

Horseman took one last roll of the dice on 72 minutes when he introduced Callum Morton back to the field after his return from injury.  

Morton had a positive impact and almost grabbed a late equaliser when Deeney squared a cross to him, but his close ranged effort was saved by Simon Eastwood. 

Attention now turns back to League Two as Rovers prepare to face Wrexham at The New Lawn on Saturday.