Batten injury mars positive Forest Green pre-season outing

City drew 1-1 with Forest Green Rovers in their penultimate pre-season game at Twerton Park this afternoon but suffered a potential injury blow after centre-back Jack Batten was stretchered off during the second half. The visitors were gifted the lead on just three minutes when Ryan Clarke’s attempted clearance struck former City striker McCoulsky before rebounding into the net. Mills’ free-kick then struck the top of the crossbar as Rovers looked to build on this fortunate start. As the the half progressed City began to enjoy more possession but were restricted to a handful of half-chances, the best seeing Andy Watkins’ shot blocked by a defender. The second half continued with City passing the ball around confidently but getting little attacking joy in the final third of the pitch. With 18 minutes left Batten and McCoulsky challenged for the ball near the touchline and the City defender suffered a knee injury that saw him stretchered off the pitch. With the start of Vanarama National League South just a week away the Romans will be hoping the injury is not serious. Four minutes later City were level when a great cross by Tom Smith was headed home by substitute Tom Richards. Forest Green saw a couple of late chances come and go before City had a strong penalty shout in stoppage time when Smith was bundled over in the box but the game ended level, which was probably the right result.