Coventry City picked up a superb victory in their opening match of pre-season, by cruising to a 4-0 victory against League Two side Forest Green Rovers, with debutant Ellis Simms playing a starring first-half role.
team news
Coventry City included new signings Ellis Simms, Jay Dasilva and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in their starting eleven, whilst Brad Collins was named on the substitutes bench. U21's midfielder Ryan Howley began at centre-back in a back three with Jake Bidwell and Kyle McFadzean, whilst Matt Godden partnered with Simms up top. The bench was filled with the majority of the U21's side, aside from Josh Eccles, Jack Burroughs and Collins. Gustavo Hamer was left out of the squad due to injury but was at the game.
- Starting XI - Ben Wilson (GK), Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Ryan Howley, Kyle McFadzean, Jake Bidwell, Jay Dasilva, Ben Sheaf, Liam Kelly, Kasey Palmer, Ellis Simms, Matt Godden
- Subs - Brad Collins (GK), Cian Tyler (GK), Josh Eccles, Jack Burroughs, Dermi Lusala, Bradley Stretton, Evan Eghosa, Justin Obikwu, Tristan Batanwi, Kai Andrews, Callum Perry, Elliot Betjemann
First-half
The Skyblues started the game as they meant to go on, with Ben Sheaf beating his man before seeing his effort saved by the Forest Green Rovers trialist in goal.
Within seconds, Ellis Simms grabbed his first goal for the club when he converted from close range to make it 1-0.
One minute later, Kasey Palmer doubled Coventry's lead when the club raced from kick-off to set up Palmer who finished off a brilliant move.
Palmer and Matt Godden both had chances to extend Coventry's lead but were denied by the goalkeeper.
However, the third goal did arrive after 30 minutes when Matt Godden set-up Ellis Simms to slot home from inside the area for his second of the evening, before Godden went close to almost make it four.
Half time - Forest Green Rovers 0-3 coventry city (Simms 4' 30' , Palmer 5')
second half
Within 16 seconds of the second-half restart, Coventry City made it four through substitute Justin Obikwu, who came on to replace Simms. Godden had an effort saved and Obikwu was on-hand to convert the rebound.
Godden continued to have a lively evening as he was denied brilliantly after a volley, before Ryan Howley's long-range effort was also saved.
The Skyblues then made seven changes on the 64th minute with the likes of Stretton, Batanwi, Burroughs and Lusala coming on to replace the likes of Sakamoto, Godden, Dasilva and Bidwell.
The final effort of the game saw Bradley Stretton's corner find the head of Tristan Batanwi, who headed wide of the target.
full time - forest green rovers 0-4 coventry city (Simms 4' 30' , palmer 5' obikwu 46')
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