Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage praised his team’s outstanding performance following their 2-0 victory at Yeovil Town on Saturday evening. A first-half goal from Temi Babalola and an own goal by former Forest Green goalkeeper Jed Ward sealed a second 2-0 win over Yeovil this season.
Savage was full of admiration for his players: “I haven’t got enough accolades for this group. They keep showing their desire, determination, spirit, and togetherness. The culture at this club has truly changed.”
Highlighting the challenge, Savage added, “This is a tough place to come to. Billy Rowley has done a great job with an unbeaten record here. To play and defend the way we did – from Tre’s crucial block near the end to Harry’s vital save – and Kanu’s standout performance, it was impressive.”
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Reflecting on the team spirit, he said, “It’s a joy to come to work. It feels like Christmas now, but for this group, it’s Christmas every day thanks to our facilities and unity. Martin O’Neill once told me as a young player that football is like Christmas every day, and I truly believe that.”
The opening goal came in the 16th minute when Jayden Clarke’s precise pass allowed Jili Buyabu to cross, resulting in a deflection that set Temi Babalola up to strike from the penalty spot. “Temi was magnificent – his work ethic was outstanding. He even pointed at me after his goal because I’d encouraged him all week,” said Savage.
Forest Green doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Buyabu delivered a fierce low ball across the box, and Finn Cousin-Dawson’s attempted clearance deflected off Jed Ward into his own net. Clarke celebrated, but Savage clarified it was officially an own goal.
Yeovil’s Harvey Bunker was sent off in the 67th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a late foul, leaving his team a man down. Savage noted Bunker’s importance and the impact of his absence in upcoming games.
Goalkeeper Harry Isted, returning for league action, made a crucial save late in the match to deny former Rovers player Tahvon Campbell, preserving a clean sheet for Forest Green – their first league shutout since October.
Tactically, Forest Green exploited the width of the pitch effectively, playing through overlapping full-backs and relying on dynamic rotations in a 4-2-3-1 formation. “We don’t have a rigid gameplan against oppositions; we play our game, and it’s hard to stop us,” explained Savage.
Despite Yeovil’s late disallowed goal for offside, Forest Green held firm to take all three points, extending their strong form and continuing to build momentum for the season.