Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed immense pride in his team following a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Sutton United, despite the challenge of playing much of the second half with ten men.
Rovers made an impressive start, dominating the opening 30 minutes and executing their game plan with precision. “We were magnificent for 30 minutes,” Savage commented, highlighting the team’s organised and compact shape which unsettled Sutton early on.
The opening goal came courtesy of Jayden Clarke, who capitalised on a rebound-a move Savage had stressed during the week and discussed with friend Ian Holloway. “It’s a great finish,” Savage noted, praising Clarke’s persistence.
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Forest Green continued to pressure Sutton and were unlucky to have a chance cleared off the line before halftime.
In the second half, Oliver Ewing was introduced and made an immediate impact. Savage applauded Ewing’s finish, relentless pressing, and determination, saying, “He’s waited his chance. Great finish, great desire, the press.”
The match took a turn when Freddie Sass was shown a second yellow card, reducing Rovers to 10 men. Savage criticised the decision, calling it “just a real poor decision” and noting previous poor choices by Sass earlier in the game. This moment marked a shift in momentum, with Sutton pressing strongly thereafter.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Forest Green remained dangerous on the counterattack. Clarke set up Kyle McAllister, who scored a brilliant goal. “Wow, what a finish for Macca,” Savage said in admiration.
Sutton mounted a spirited fightback with a spectacular strike described by Savage as “a worldy,” and later secured an equaliser through a late header.
Reflecting on the final result, Savage acknowledged the balance of the match, saying, “3-3 could have lost it but also could have won it.”
He was particularly proud of the players' effort after going down to ten men. “Every player in that second half gave everything for me and for the club. And for that, I’m proud.” He added, “It’s a point away from home.”
Looking ahead, Forest Green prepares to face Wealdstone at home on Tuesday. With injuries, suspensions, and international call-ups, squad depth will be tested. Savage offered encouragement to those who may be called upon: “Go and believe in yourselves. We got a squad for a reason.”
He challenged the younger players to seize their opportunities: “Go on, go and show people how good you are. You’ve waited for opportunities.”
Concluding, Savage summed up his feelings after a dramatic encounter in South London: “I couldn’t be prouder of this football club and this team.”
Sutton United lineup: Brits; Urpens (Nzuzi 65), Nightingale, Byron (Topalloj 46), Brookes; Knight, Taylor (Njoku 71), Carter, Osadebe; Babalola, Ogbonna (Folarin 83). Subs not used: Haigh, Donker, Bell.
Forest Green Rovers lineup: Ross; Abrefa, Mabete, Ajayi, Sass; Campbell, Clarke, Marquez (Kircough 61); McAllister, Etaluku (Ifeanyi 71), Berry (Ewing 46, Pemberton 56). Subs not used: McNicholas, Haughton, Fearon.
Referee: Paul Johnson.
Attendance: 2,139.