Preview: Exeter City vs Forest Green Rovers – EFL Trophy

An experimental City side went down fighting 2-0 at Bristol City in the EFL Cup on Saturday, and before the league campaign begins in earnest (or at least in Salford) next week there is the further distraction of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday. Matt Taylor has stated that the two cup ties are the perfect opportunity for players to earn a place on the team sheet at Salford, so expect a raft of changes once again for the visit of Forest Green, and starts for the likes of Maxted, Sparkes and Seymour amongst others. This competition was, of course, one to remember for City last season, so close to Wembley before two late Portsmouth goals swung the semi-final Pompey’s way.

After a poor finish to last season prior to the Covid cut-off saw them drop from playoff contention into mid-table, it has been a busy summer for Forest Green. Former City stalwart Mark Cooper remains in charge, and amongst the raft of signings there are two familiar faces, with former City captain Jordan Moore-Taylor and two-time loanee Kane Wilson arriving from MK Dons and West Brom respectively. Both featured in their 2-1 defeat at home to Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup, and while both may wish to take the field at their old home ground it’s likely both will make way assuming Cooper decides to shuffle his pack. Jamille Matt is someone else with a lot of pedigree at this level, the giant striker having played for a host of clubs in the lower tiers.

Tuesday marks the first time the sides have met in this competition. City had the upper hand in the league meetings last season, winning both 1-0. Ryan Bowman scored the winner in the home match and Nigel Atangana scored the only goal in the return at the New Lawn before being sent off just after half time.

The match officials for this game are:-

Referee: Sam Allison
Assistant Referees: Adam Ricketts and Matthew Lee
Fourth Official : Scott Jackson

This is Sam Allison’s first season as a EFL referee and the game will be his first of the season.