Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage highlighted the clean sheet as the standout positive from his team’s 2-0 victory over Wealdstone on Saturday.
Goals from Neil Kengni and Gabe Kircough, scored just before and after half-time respectively, secured a comfortable win for Forest Green. This result was significant as they overcame a strong Wealdstone side, who had been third in the form table and had defeated Rovers in both previous meetings this season.
Kengni opened the scoring five minutes before the break after a lively first half. Harry Isted initiated the move with a long ball that bypassed the Wealdstone defence, allowing Kengni — originally a right winger turned left back — to calmly finish. Savage praised Kengni’s work ethic and versatility, saying, “He shows everything I’m about: hard work, dedication, never sulks, always smiling, and rarely injured.”
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Shortly after the hour mark, Kircough doubled the lead. Following a free kick from McAllister, Laurent Mendy headed across goal for Kircough to score with a neat close-range header. Savage complimented Kircough’s readiness and impact, recalling a phone call prior to the game where he informed Kircough of his inclusion at short notice.
The manager also noted the tactical switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation aimed at creating more attacking support between midfield and striker — an adjustment that paid dividends. “With two attacking midfielders, their centre-half was unsure how to handle us in the second half,” said Savage.
The clean sheet was especially satisfying for Savage, who emphasized his focus on solutions and adaptability. “I was often told I wasn’t good enough growing up, so as a manager, finding solutions is crucial to me. This back three gave us the platform we needed,” he remarked.
The hosting Forest Green Rovers lined up with Isted in goal; Mendy, Kircough, Kanu in defence; Knowles, Nwoko, Campbell, Kengni across midfield; McAllister and Clarke as attacking midfielders; and Mellor up front.
The match was officiated by referee Lewis Sandoe, who oversaw an attendance of 1,738, including 78 travelling Wealdstone supporters.