Forest Green and their squad of just 16 players came away a credible draw at League One Oxford United to earn a replay in the FA Cup first round. 

After a low-key first half, Rovers arguably had the better chances as both teams improved but it was honours even.

Here are five things we learned from the cup tie. 

Squad at its bare bones

Forest Green only named five subs against Oxford after Joseph Mills injured himself picking up his baby on Saturday morning.

Mark Cooper insists he likes working with a tight-knit group but with four players injured, he had little room for manoeuvre from the bench at the Kassam Stadium.

Nevertheless, they seem to be coping at the moment.

Plenty of versatility in the team

One reason Cooper will point at to justify having a small squad is the fact that he has so many players who can play in several positions.

Nathan McGinley moved from centre half to left back, Carl Winchester has played in midfield, out wide and at full back and Paul Digby can play in midfield and at the heart of the defence.

That’s just naming a few but a lot of them look equally as comfortable in all those positions.

Rovers like playing League One teams

Forest Green have played three League One teams so far this season and, within 90 minutes, have drawn all three of them which is a fine achievement considering they have all been away from home.

They had the better chances against Oxford and more than matched Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry City earlier in the season.

Montgomery can become number one

James Montgomery was Rovers’ best player against Arsenal Under 21s in midweek and looked good again at Oxford.

He made two decent saves and looked solid throughout. There’s no reason why he can’t push Robert Sanchez for the number one jersey.

There’s little between the two stoppers.

More composure required in front of goal

It would be unfair to criticise George Williams for hitting the post with his effort, but Reece Brown and Theo Archibald should have done better with their chances.

There seemed to be a bit of haste or a tinge of excitement when they both had the goal at their mercy.

Neither of them hit the target but FGR have often been punished for missing chances this season so once they develop that consistency in front of goal, they could be frightening.