A brace from Matt Reed and a goal from Josh Jenkins provided the goals from Rovers.
On the performance, Lead Professional Development Phase Coach, Tom Parrinello said, “Following last Saturday’s first defeat in 5 games away to Plymouth, we welcomed Forest Green Rovers to Bristol Manor Farm FC in what turned out to be a very topsy turvy and entertaining game for the neutral.
“They overloaded forward areas and had some good movement from deep areas which put us on the back foot meaning we defended deep for long spells of the game.
“We took the lead through a piece of individual brilliance from Josh Jenkins. Picking the ball up just inside the opposition half he glided past one defender and then beat another before cooly slotting past the keeper to give us the lead.
“We quickly doubled the lead when Jenkins nicked possession and set free Matt Reed who caught the keeper off guard from distance with a good left-foot finish.
“From the coaches point of view, the two goals were probably the most pleasing aspect of the day because it’s something we have been working on with those individuals in the week leading up to the game and for the players to see success from what they’ve been working on in training will be satisfying.
“Despite being 2-0 up, we sat deep and failed to get any control of the football throughout the first half, instead surrendering territory and possession for long spells. Forest Green hit back twice and we went in level at half time.
“The second half followed a similar pattern and Forest Green took the lead with a strike from distance. The goal seemed to spark us into life a bit and we started to get on the front foot and play higher up the pitch.
“More magic from Jenkins won us a penalty which Reed dispatched for his fifth goal of the season. The game finished 3-3 and overall it was a fair reflection, to be honest.
“We didn’t do enough within the performance to win the game and in the end, we take the point and move on.
“The point takes us up to going second in the league which is a good start and the fact the boys didn’t play well in all honesty but didn’t lose the game is positive.
“As a performance, the players are disappointed with that display, especially the in possession side of the game. At times we lacked bravery and courage to play forward or to play in tight areas, which was a shame.
“The players are capable of the things we as staff are asking them to do but at times they seem to lack a self-belief to go and express themselves on the pitch.
“It’s something that the players have highlighted and in fairness to the group, they are working tirelessly Monday to Friday to try and improve these things.
“The fact they are working on these aspects is pleasing but now they have to find a way to consistently produce what they produce in training where it counts the most, which is on a Saturday morning.
“The stand out performer of the day was Josh Jenkins, who on the day was outstanding with his direct running and ability to beat players. With a goal and two assists, he caught the eye.
“Again finishing with three U16’s on the pitch was a plus and we will continue to push these younger players up, as well as pushing the core group of scholars as much as we possibly can.
Rovers: 1. Jed Ward, 2. Zak Ford, 12. Tyron Thompson, 4. Henry Njonjo (c), 16. Niall Lovelock, 6. Adam Biss, 18. Jerry Lawrence (U16), 9. Harvey Greenslade, 10. Owen Brain, 11. Josh Jenkins, 14. Matt Reed.
Subs: 21. Airidas Vilinauskas, 5. James Gorman, 19. Kyrie Pierre (U16), 23. Lucas Vaughan (U16), 17. Andreas Smolka