Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed his frustration after his team conceded a stoppage-time winner to Tamworth, losing 1-0 at the Lamb Ground on Wednesday evening.
Dan Creaney’s 92nd-minute goal decided a tight, low-quality match, as Forest Green dropped vital points in their push for a play-off spot. Savage described his side as naive and urged his players to appreciate the professional environment they operate in.
“Credit to Tamworth, a part-time side who haven’t trained all week, who have day jobs, yet still managed that winner. Our lads really need to realise how fortunate they are—this just isn’t good enough,” said Savage.
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Addressing concerns about player workload, he added, “I keep hearing about minutes and red zones, but some of their players went to work today and played until the 92nd minute. We need to hold ourselves accountable—the goal was unacceptable.”
Savage lamented the manner of the late goal, explaining, “At 0-0 in a tough away game, you might consider settling for a draw, but you cannot concede in injury time while you’re trying to see the game out. You have to make it count—commit a foul, disrupt the attack—something.”
The decisive play saw a high through ball played over Forest Green’s left wing-back Neil Kengni, who was caught too high up the pitch. The ball was then crossed low into the box, where Creaney was unmarked at the back post to score.
“In the last minute playing three at the back, you simply cannot leave Creaney free at the back post while our three centre-backs pushed forward. It was naive defending,” Savage stressed. “We had players like Mendy, Gabe, and Kanu there—the most dangerous man in the box was alone.”
He detailed the sequence, “It started with Kyle’s free kick, which went straight down the middle. We cleared the header, the ball went wide, then over the top, Kengni was too high, and suddenly it’s three versus one—and their player scores. It’s not good enough.”
Forest Green’s best chance came midway through the second half when Kyle McAllister, after a flick-on from Kengni, created space for a shot, but his effort was blocked.
“Kyle had a big chance and should have taken it on his right foot, but credit to their defense for blocking well,” Savage commented.
During the match, Josh Osude came on in the 65th minute but was forced off six minutes later due to injury, replaced by Jose Marquez. Savage reflected, “We showed bravery switching to a 5-3-2 and pushing two up front, but losing Josh early was a blow. Jose had to step in and do what he could.”
Nick Haughton remained an unused substitute again, with Jili Buyabu also not featuring despite recent involvement. Savage explained, “Substitutions are only made when necessary. With the formation switch and Kengni’s fitness, there was no need to change. Other players like Ashqar Ahmed and Jayden did well.”
Ryan Inniss missed Saturday’s match due to illness but was fit for Wednesday—yet he did not travel with the squad, as Savage praised the solid defensive display over the weekend. Good news was the expected return of club captain Jordy, who completed rehab and sprint training, ready to feature again.
The only positive for Forest Green was that teams around them in the table also failed to win, with Southend and Scunthorpe drawing their games, and Halifax losing earlier in the week.
Line-ups and substitutes were confirmed, with referee Lee Swabey officiating. Attendance for the match was 931, including 164 Forest Green supporters.