Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed optimism about the club’s prospects of securing fifth place and earning a home play-off quarter-final following their commanding 4-0 victory over Brackley Town at The New Lawn on Good Friday.
The game’s turning point came just before halftime when Brackley’s Zak Brown was sent off with a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Forest Green’s Jili Buyabu. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, the hosts quickly took control with a goal from D’Mani Mellor, who scored his second goal of the season at the back post from a clever quick corner routine involving Kyle McAllister and Nick Haughton.
Savage praised the team’s current form, saying, “We’ve built momentum with five wins in seven games and another clean sheet. Teams are dropping points, and after our tough patch, this is exactly the kind of performance I want—eight goals in two games, showing skill and determination.”
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Second-half goals from Kyle McAllister and Jili Buyabu, combined with a spectacular 25-yard strike by Laurent Mendy near the close of the match, cemented the comprehensive win. Mendy’s goal was a highlight of the evening—his first for Forest Green—demonstrating his ability to contribute spectacularly from midfield.
Nick Haughton was outstanding, providing three assists, including the set-up for McAllister’s sublime curling shot and the final killer pass to Buyabu. Savage acknowledged Haughton’s influence humorously, “He said it’s about time he got three assists and took a jab at me. He’s got to keep doing that consistently now.”
Although Brackley Town, led by manager Andy Whing, had a solid defensive structure and showed resilience, the red card significantly shifted the momentum. Savage commended their effort, recognizing the challenges faced by a part-time side competing against Forest Green.
With this victory, Forest Green Rovers now have their sights set on surpassing last season’s impressive points tally. Currently on 74 points compared to 75 at the same stage last year, Savage is confident that winning their upcoming fixture against Truro will see them improve on last season’s performance.
Forest Green Rovers lineup featured: Isted; Knowles (Ahmed 80), Mendy, Kanu (Moore-Taylor 75), Kengni (Campbell 46); Nwoko (Babalola 62), Clarke (Robson 80), McAllister, Haughton, Buyabu; Mellor. Subs unused: Pagel, Mingi.
Brackley Town lineup included: Rhone; Elliott-Wheeler (Byrne 63), Morrison, Dean, Lilly, Roberts; Tripp; Pollock, Brown; Lowe, Campbell (Harratt 28). Subs unused: Maxted, Calder, Nottingham, Worby, Hall.
Referee: Craig Hicks
Attendance: 2,095 (108 away supporters)