Forest Green played out a goalless draw with Brighton U21s in the Bristol Street Motors trophy, which was enough to see Rovers top the group. The goalless draw was followed by the young Seagulls winning the penalty shootout 4-2, seeing them claim a bonus point.

Rovers’ last outing was an FA cup clash with Scarborough, which saw Olly Sully rescue a replay for Forest Green in the last minute. Brighton U21’s most recent fixture was against Aston Villa U21’s, where they were 2-1 victors.

The visitors had the first chance of the game four minutes in, with Ruari McConville rising highest for the header that ended up going just wide.

Rovers hit back with a chance of their own in the 13th minute as Harvey Bunker tried his luck from just inside the area, but it was well held by Tom McGill.

Bunker once again had a go, this time from a bit further out, but once again it went into the hands of the keeper who comfortably gathered.

It was a quiet following 20 minutes with no real threat to either goal. Ben Jackson had a chance from a corner just past the half hour mark, but his header was wide of the mark

In the 38th minute, Tyrese Omotoye was picked out inside the box, but he couldn’t connect well with his head.

A minute or so later, Sean Robertson found himself with a shooting opportunity after a short corner routine, but his half-volley was deflected just the wrong side of the near post.

On the stroke of half-time, some nice link-up play between Fankaty Dabo and Teddy Jenks saw the latter get a shot away, but it was well blocked and saw the teams go into the break with nothing to separate them.

A few minutes after the game got back underway, Rovers had a couple of chances to take the lead. Charlie McCann’s swerving shot forced McGill to parry away, with the ball then eventually coming to Bunker who’s deflected strike went inches wide.

In the 52nd minute, Benicio Baker-Boaitey struck from 20 yards, but it was weak and straight at Jamie Searle.

Shortly after coming on, Nathan Holland drove forward and had a go from the edge of the box, but it was easy for McGill.

With a quarter of an hour to go, Omotoye found Holland whose curling effort looked to be nestling into the bottom corner, but a Brighton head was there to divert it away from goal.

84 minutes played, and Holland again had a go from distance, but it deflected off Omotoye and wide.

The remainder of the game was quiet and it ended goalless, which meant a penalty shootout was on the cards.

McGill was the hero for Brighton U21s, who were perfect from the spot and won 4-2 to pick up the bonus point.

However, both teams are through to the next round of the EFL Trophy, with Rovers topping the group on goal difference.

Next up is a trip to Tranmere Rovers, and you can get your tickets, here.

Forest Green: Searle; Dabo (Sully 60’), Welch, Moore-Taylor (C) (Bernard 46’), Robson; Bunker, Bendle; Jenks, McCann (Maddox 81’); Robertson (Holland 60’), Omotoye.

Brighton U21: McGill; McConville, Jackson (Mullins 56’), Kavanagh, Samuels; Nilsson, Hinchy (C), Chouchane; Baker-Boaitey (Flower 70’), O’Mahony, Barrington (Slater 87’)

Attendance: 719 (31)

Candriam Player of the Match: Harvey Bunker.