Forest Green vs Bristol Rovers

Forest Green took the lead in the 10th minute through a set-piece. Kyle McAllister's inswinging corner from the right was met by D'Mani Mellor, who glanced a header across Luke Southwood and inside the far post for his third goal of pre-season.

The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes later. James Berry, making his home debut, timed a run onto McAllister's clipped pass over the top and slid a composed finish into the bottom corner with the inside of his right foot.

Bristol Rovers' best chance of the first half fell to captain Alfie Kilgour, who blazed over from inside the six-yard box after Promise Omochere's shot was saved by Luke McNicholas.

Forest Green substitute Kairo Mitchell struck the post in the second half before the game shifted decisively.

Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor swapped all 11 outfield players in the 69th minute, introducing an entirely fresh XI including Leigh, Shaq Forde and Joe Quigley.

The change worked immediately. Leigh pulled one back in the 74th minute, slotting home from close range after Quigley's low cross was parried by McNicholas. The midfielder then crashed a half-volley off the post from 20 yards.

Tommy Leigh completed the comeback in the 90th minute (90+1 on the clock). Quigley teed him up on the edge of the box, and Leigh swept a first-time shot into the top-right corner — a strike he later described as one he knew was in "as soon as I felt it leave my foot."

Kyle McAllister (Forest Green) — The 27-year-old creator was the architect of Forest Green's first-half dominance, providing both assists from open play and set pieces. His deliveries caused problems throughout.

Tommy Leigh (Bristol Rovers) — Man of the match. Two goals in 22 minutes off the bench, including a contender for pre-season goal of the summer. His equaliser from 20 yards was unstoppable.

D'Mani Mellor (Forest Green) — A constant threat in the first half, scoring one and linking play effectively before being substituted at the hour mark.

Paul Raynor on Leigh: "He does my head in. He absolutely does my head in. He turns up everywhere, but when he's got that quality, who wouldn't want him at Bristol Rovers?"

Forest Green's 2-0 half-time lead reflected a first-half xG advantage built on McAllister's delivery and sharp movement in the box. The hosts had several chances to extend the lead before the break — Sean Etaluku tested Southwood twice and Berry missed a gilt-edged chance. Bristol Rovers' expected goals were negligible in the first 45 minutes.

The second half was a different story. After the 69th-minute substitutions, Rovers generated the majority of chances. Leigh's disallowed goal (offside) and his volley off the post kept the pressure on, and the equaliser was fully deserved on the balance of second-half play. Mitchell's shot off the post for Forest Green was their only notable chance after the interval.

Forest Green saw their perfect pre-season record halted after three straight wins (Bishops Cleeve, Merthyr Town, and an earlier fixture). They host newly promoted Championship side Cardiff City at The New Lawn on Saturday 25 July.

Bristol Rovers continue their pre-season build-up to the 2026/27 League Two campaign. The draw followed a 1-1 result against Portsmouth and a competitive outing against Leicester City. Their next fixture is TBC.

A game of two distinct halves. Forest Green were sharp and organised in the first 45, with McAllister pulling the strings. But Bristol Rovers' depth — and the quality of Leigh's finishing — turned a comfortable home win into a valuable lesson for Savage's side. Pre-season results matter less than the signs, and for Rovers, the second-half response was the takeaway.