Forest Green swiftly negated any FA Cup hangover to move into the next round of the Papa John’s Trophy thanks to a 2-0 victory over Walsall at the Banks’ Stadium.
Rob Edwards’ side erased the shock 3-2 loss at non-league St Albans to get back on the horse and inflict a first defeat in nine for Matt Taylor’s men.
Making eight changes from Sunday, Edwards brought in Harvey Bunker, who caught the eye in an unfamiliar defensive role. Rovers were still without Jamille Matt and Dan Sweeney, who is expected to be fit for next week’s trip to Hartlepool.
Matty Stevens’ 11th goal this season and a sumptuous curling effort from Jake Young ensured Rovers finished Group L top of the table.
PIC GALLERY: Pro Sports Images.
Walsall : Rose; Leak, Menayese, Taylor, Ward (Miller, 69); Labadie, Perry (Osadebe, 55), Bates; Khan, Phillips, Kiernan (Shade, 61)
Subs not used: Rushworth (gk), Sadler, Monthe, Earing
Forest Green: McGee; Edwards, Bernard (c), Bunker (Godwin-Malife, 72), Cargill; Hendry, Diallo, Evans; Stevens (Young, 57), Aitchison (Cadden, 79), Allen
Subs not used: Thomas (gk), Wilson, Stevenson, Moore-Taylor
Goals: Stevens (15), Jake Young (88)
Attendance: 1,778
Referee: Tom Reeves
