Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage openly acknowledged the disappointment following his team’s heavy 3-1 home defeat to Carlisle United on Saturday evening. The visitors dominated the first half, storming to a 3-0 lead within 30 minutes, with goals from Stephen Wearne, Morgan Feeney, and David Ajiboye.
Savage did not mince words after the game, condemning his team’s opening-half display as “a disgrace.” He took responsibility for his team selection but also hinted that some players fell below expectations. “I wasn’t good enough with my selection of players, and I will take accountability. However, some players let me down today,” he said, emphasizing collective responsibility without naming individuals.
The first goal came in the 11th minute after a costly error by Forest Green’s goalkeeper Harry Isted, whose weak pass invited Luke Armstrong to steal possession and assist Wearne for an easy finish. Savage criticized the decision to play such a risky ball to a closely marked defender. “I’ve never witnessed performances like some in the first half. If we continue like this, we won’t make the playoffs.”
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Carlisle doubled their lead minutes later with Feeney heading in a precise cross from the left, following a well-executed flick by Ajiboye. Ajiboye then added a stunning solo goal, weaving through defenders before finishing calmly, to make it 3-0.
Savage admitted the first half was the club’s worst display to date, apologizing to the fans. “If we had started the season like that, we’d be facing relegation battles,” he confessed. The absence of club captain Jordy, who is sidelined with a broken ankle, might have impacted the team’s leadership on the pitch, he noted.
In the second half, Forest Green showed improvement, and loanee Jay Mingi scored a consolation goal seven minutes after the break. Savage praised his squad’s fightback but lamented the damage done in the first half. “Despite chances, mistakes and missed opportunities have cost us all season.”
Tactically, Savage made an early substitution at 26 minutes, bringing on new signing Josh Osude for Nick Haughton in a switch to a 4-4-2 formation aimed at strengthening midfield width and attacking options. Osude impressed on his debut, suggesting a potential shift in strategy moving forward.
Despite dominating possession and creating chances in the second half, Forest Green could not overcome the deficit as Carlisle managed the game effectively to secure three points.
Forest Green Rovers line-up: 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 line-up: 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 supporters)