SWINDON Supermarine boss Dave Webb was left feeling buoyant despite seeing his side fall to a 5-1 defeat in their final game of pre-season at home to Forest Green Rovers.

Mark Cooper brought his National League side to the Webb's Wood and ran out comfortable winners on the night.

Christian Doidge rose highest at the far post to head home the opener in the 21st minute before Forest Green doubled their lead through French winger Mohammed Chemlal.

The visitors scored their third on the stroke of half time as Elliot Frear found Rhys Murphy to score inside the area.

Forest Green made wholesale changes at the break and it was substitute Matt Tubbs who netted a fourth in the 62nd minute.

However, Marine replied within two minutes as Bradley Gray laid off the ball in the box for substitute Sam Morris to score.

Tubbs netted his second of the game in the 71st minute when Merchant got caught in possession as Forest Green eased to victory.

"It was a fantastic workout," said Webb.

"I spoke to Scott Bartlett in early pre-season and he asked if we wanted to entertain a Forest Green side tonight and I said 'we'd be over the moon' thinking it would be a lesser strength side than what they brought here tonight.

"There weren't a lot of their younger players on show tonight and I think that says a lot about Swindon Supermarine, that Mark Cooper is prepared to bring his first team players here.

"It is brilliant for the club and a brilliant evening for the players to test themselves."

Meanwhile, Jeff Roberts started his reign as Highworth Town boss with a 2-1 defeat away to Tuffley Rovers in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Jordan Roberts equalised for Town with six minutes to go after Warren Mann had given the hosts the lead.

However, Mann sealed the win in the dying moments of the game when he was set up by Liam Wright.

Fairford Town also fell to a 2-1 defeat on the road as they conceded two late goals to lose to Abingdon United in Division One West.

Dan Drewett, on debut, opened the scoring in the 21st minute, only for Graham Edney to equalise with 14 minutes left on the clock before Harry Taylor secured the win with two minutes to go.

Royal Wootton Bassett start their league campaign tomorrow night at home to Carterton.