Forest Green Rovers picked up the bonus point to see them edge closer to the knockout round of the Leasing.com Trophy, as they beat Coventry City 8-7 on penalties.

After a goalless draw with chances at both ends, it was the young Rovers side who held their nerve to win a second penalty shootout of the season.

Mark Cooper shuffled the pack ahead of the game, most notably offering 16-year-old Academy product Vaughn Covil a first start for the club.

It was the Sky Blues who had the better of it in the early knockings, Amadou Bakayoko having two good chances inside the opening 20 minutes.

His first by way of a vicious cross from the right, saw him nod just wide of the far post from inside the six-yard box, before stinging the gloves Joe Wollacott on the spin five minutes later.

Dom Bernard had the opportunity to open his Rovers account after half an hour as he skipped inside is man to fire at goal from a tight angle, goalkeeper Ben Wilson equal to the effort.

Covil had his first sight of goal eight minutes later, as he latched onto a loose ball before firing a left-footed strike at the keeper from 20 yards.

Bakayoko had another chance just moments after the restart, a deep cross dropping nicely for him to head across goal, but Liam Kitching was able to clear.

Two Wollacott saves in two minutes kept the scores level as the clock ticked past the hour mark, the Rovers stopper springing into action to deny Zain Westbrooke from range before clawing out Bakayoko’s header from inside the area.

Callum O’Hare, introduced from the bench, almost found the net with his first action, the midfielder firing a left-footed effort just wide of the near post.

Chances were few and far between for the hosts in the dying embers, Taylor Allen going closest as his shot on the angle was charged down.

A tense penalty shootout followed, Ebou Adams seeing his kick denied before Liam Kelly struck with one to go.

Both side continued striking well deep into sudden death, youngsters Covil and Udoka Godwin-Malife finding the top corners.

Wollacott was the hero on the night, denying Kyle McFadzean low to his right.

Referee: David Rock

Man of the match: Ebou Adams

Attendance: 924 (340 away)

Next time out: Exeter City, Saturday, October 12, St James’ Park

Match Sponsor: KB Coaches