FOREST GREEN boss Dave Hockaday insists friendlies against neighbours Shortwood United will become a regular fixture on the pre-season calendar after the Nailsworth rivals served up an entertaining clash at Meadowbank.

"I am glad Forest Green and Shortwood have reconnected a relationship and I want to play them every season," said Hockaday. "They looked after us well and the whole evening went well."

Shortwood boss John Evans, a former Forest Green player and manager concurred with Hockaday and said: "Dave Hockaday is a gentleman and I wish him well for the season. "It was a fantastic night and I was delighted with the performance from my team and Forest Green got the result they wanted."

At times it was hard to recognize the gulf in class as plucky Shortwood more than matched their loftier opponents. Ashley Thomas and Joe Macklin were rocks at the back and young midfielder Jake Parrott caught the eye.

A spectacular first-half volley from James Baldwin against his former club handed Rovers the lead at the break.

Earlier, Parrott did well to clear off the line from a Luke Jones header. Rovers introduced new trialist Yan Klukowski at half-time. Polish midfielder Klukowski has previously turned out for Bristol Rovers, Chippenham Town and Bath City. Rovers certainly upped the tempo and Lee Ayres nodded Rovers two up with eight minutes to go. However, Shortwood got the goal they deserved when the impressive Jamie Martin lobbed a flat-footed Gavin Carlin from 35 yards.

Rovers had a chance to make it 3-1 when the fleet-footed David Accam was upended. However, Martyn Pearce, son-in-law of Rovers' chairman David Drew, saved Steve Davies' spot-kick in spectacular fashion.

Shortwood United: D. Portlock; A. Allard, J. Macklin, A. Thomas, A. Axton; M. Collins, J. Parrott, R. Casey, M. Bennett; J. Martin, A. Hoskins; Subs: J. Coates, L. J.Cant ,Meredith, R. Evans, O. Clarke, L. Halliday, M. Pearce.

Forest Green: J. Bittner; J. Hodgkiss, L. Jones, B. Gerring, C. Armstrong; L. Smith, I. Herring, J. Baldwin, L. Fowler; R. Dyer, R. Styche; Subs: G. Carlin, O. Cleaver, C. Henry, L. Ayres, B. Pugh, Y. Klukowski, S. Mensah, J. Else, D. Accam, M. Etheridge, S. Davies.

Referee: M. Niemirski (Glos) Attendance: 532.

Star man: Jake Parrott