Liverpool loanee Kyle Kelly scores first Forest Green goal in 5-1 pre-season loss to Cardiff City
Forest Green Rovers suffered a 5-1 defeat to Championship side Cardiff City in pre-season, but Liverpool loanee Kyle Kelly netted his first goal for the club. The National League side, who finished 7th last season with 81 points (23W-12D-11L), faced a tough test against higher-level opposition.
What happened in the match?
Cardiff City dominated from the start, with Chris Willock scoring a first-half hat-trick. Isaak Davies and Yousef Salech added further goals, while Kyle Kelly’s second-half strike provided a consolation for Forest Green. Robbie Savage admitted his side were outclassed but praised the learning experience.
Why it matters for Forest Green
Despite the heavy defeat, Savage highlighted the value of testing his squad against stronger opposition. The match exposed areas for improvement, particularly in pressing and defensive organization. With the National League season approaching, Forest Green will look to build on lessons from this fixture.
What comes next for Forest Green?
Forest Green’s recent form shows inconsistency, with two losses in their last five matches (LLWWL). Savage hopes to have goalkeepers Ethan Ross and Luke McNicholas back soon, as they recover from injuries. The team will aim to refine their structure before the new campaign begins.
