Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed his disappointment after his team suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to Carlisle United at The New Lawn on Saturday evening. Savage blamed a poor first-half performance and some individual errors for the defeat, making a heartfelt apology to the fans.
Carlisle United dominated the first half, scoring three quick goals within 30 minutes. Stephen Wearne opened the scoring following a misdirected pass from Forest Green’s goalkeeper Harry Isted. Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye then extended the visitors' lead with clinical finishes, leaving Forest Green struggling to respond.
Savage was candid about the team’s shortcomings. “I can’t defend that first-half display; it was a disgrace. Some players need to reflect on their performances. I accept responsibility for my team selection, but some players let me down out there. We’re all in this together,” he said.
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Addressing tactical errors, Savage criticized the decision to pass the ball back slowly to an opponent’s marker, which led to the opening goal. “I’ve never seen such a lackluster first-half performance. If we play like that consistently, we won’t be anywhere near the playoffs,” he added.
The manager also lamented the absence of club captain Jordy, who is sidelined with a broken ankle. “We’re certainly missing a leader on the pitch,” Savage acknowledged.
Carlisle’s second goal came from a well-worked move involving Elliot Embleton’s cross and Feeney’s headed finish. The third was a stunning solo effort by Ajiboye, who dribbled past several defenders before calmly scoring.
Despite the poor first half, Forest Green showed resilience in the second half. Loanee Jay Mingi scored a consolation goal seven minutes after the break, heading in from a free-kick delivery. Savage praised the team’s improved play after halftime. “The second half was much better; we showed positive signs and created chances. But defensive mistakes and missed opportunities have plagued us all season.”
Savage also made an early tactical adjustment by substituting Nick Haughton after 26 minutes, bringing on new signing Josh Osude to tighten the midfield and add attacking impetus. “I usually don’t take a player off that early, but we needed to change the shape,” he explained. “Josh looked lively and maybe this formation will work better.”
Despite continued effort, Forest Green were unable to mount a comeback and conceded no further goals. Savage concluded by congratulating Carlisle and reiterating his disappointment. “It’s tough to be 3-0 down so early. We had chances but made too many errors. We’ll learn from this and keep fighting to reach the playoffs.”
Forest Green Rovers: Isted; Ahmed (Knowles 57), Mendy, Kanu (Kircough 46), Buyabu; Campbell, Nwoko; McAllister, Haughton (Osude 26), Clarke (Mingi 46); Rees. Subs not used: Pagel, Kengni, Babalola.
Carlisle United: Breeze; Williams (Harper 86), Feeney, Mugabi, Galvin; Gilliead, Macadam; Ajiboye (Parker 86), Wearne (Ellis 78), Embleton (Thomas 65), Armstrong. Subs not used: Mair, Wyke, Conn-Clarke.
Referee: Carl Brook
Attendance: 2,353 (431 away)