Merthyr Town vs Forest Green

Forest Green started brightly and took the lead inside five minutes when Ajayi converted from a set-piece situation — a moment Paul Michael, the Merthyr manager, later identified as a recurring concern. "The set piece, we haven't actually done anything on set pieces yet," Michael said in his post-match interview on Martyrs TV. "We need to do a lot of work on that."

Merthyr responded well and found an equaliser in the 23rd minute through a Trialist, with the move described by Michael as "fantastic" — part of a promising first-half attacking pattern that saw Will Spear, Sam Pierce and Kieran Evans combine effectively down the right flank.

But the lead lasted only three minutes. Conteh restored Forest Green's advantage in the 26th minute, converting a chance that proved decisive. The 2-1 scoreline held through to half-time, and the second half produced no further goals despite Charlie Caswell going close for the hosts late on.

Conteh's goal in the 26th minute — just three minutes after Merthyr's equaliser — was the decisive moment. Forest Green absorbed the home side's momentum and struck back immediately, a response that killed the hosts' revival. "When we think we're comfortable, that's when we make mistakes," said Savage in his post-match interview on the club's official channel. "We were in total control of the game and all of a sudden, we made critical errors which led to the goal. But we struck back straight away with Thomas."

T. Conteh scored what proved to be the winner — his fourth goal of pre-season, as Savage noted. "Young lad doing exceptionally well," the Forest Green manager said. Conteh's sharp movement and finish in the box continued an impressive individual summer.

K. Ajayi opened the scoring inside five minutes, setting the tone for Rovers and forcing Merthyr to chase the game from early on.

Kieran Evans (Merthyr Town) was a bright spark for the hosts, linking well with Will Spear and Sam Pierce down the right in what Michael described as a promising combination.

Three goals arrived in a 21-minute first-half spell (5'–26'), with Forest Green's two strikes sandwiching Merthyr's equaliser. The 2-1 half-time scoreline proved to be the final result, with no goals in the second period. For Forest Green, it was their third consecutive pre-season win, taking their aggregate goal tally to 12 across those games.

Savage revealed he left eight players behind for the trip to Wales, citing concerns over the surface. "Just left the lads behind who may not like it on this surface," he said. "They'll be back for Tuesday."

Forest Green continue their pre-season programme unbeaten under Robbie Savage, with three wins from three and 12 goals scored. The tests become significantly tougher — Rovers host Bristol Rovers at The New Lawn on Tuesday 21 July, followed by Cardiff City (25 July) and Bristol City and Swindon Town.

Merthyr Town, who play in the Southern League Premier Division South, continued their pre-season build-up against higher-level opposition. Michael saw positives in his side's defensive shape: "We had to do a lot of work without the ball for a few spells, which is really good for us. I thought our shape was pretty good. I don't think we coughed up too many chances."

The Martyrs next face Briton Ferry Llansawel at home on Tuesday 21 July, before a trip to face Bristol City's U21s on 25 July.

A professional early-season workout from Forest Green, who scored early, responded well to conceding, and managed the game after the break. Conteh's quick response to Merthyr's equaliser was the most encouraging sign — the kind of resilience Savage will need as the National League campaign approaches. For Merthyr, there was enough evidence in their attacking play to suggest they will be competitive in their own division this season.