Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed satisfaction after his team recorded consecutive league victories for the first time since November, following their 2-1 triumph over Aldershot Town at The New Lawn.
Tate Campbell and Tom Knowles scored in the first half to give Forest Green a comfortable lead. Although Aldershot managed to pull one back in the second half, they were unable to capitalize further on their momentum.
Savage lauded his side’s first-half performance as their best in three months. “Our first half was scintillating, the best since we played Yeovil. We executed overlaps perfectly and created quality chances. While we had too many cutbacks, which indicates a need for more ruthlessness, overall the team was unplayable,” he said.
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This win silenced critics who questioned the squad’s lack of experience. “The young players are winning games now, and it’s helped by the presence of experienced players like Doidgey and Bunks, who is 22 but seasoned in the league, along with Kyle,” Savage noted. Reflecting on his career, he added, “Reaching 1,000 games as a manager is tough—when results don’t go your way, the pressure is relentless, and your mind is solely on your team.”
Campbell opened scoring after 15 minutes, finishing a well-worked move down the right flank. Knowles then extended the lead before the half-hour mark, converting a precise cutback from Chibby Nwoko into the top corner. With this goal, Knowles now boasts 10 league goals for the season.
Aldershot responded in the 66th minute, with Charlie Warren finishing after sustained pressure. Savage admitted the second half was nerve-wracking: “The visitors came on strong, and we looked a bit worried, which is natural after recent poor results. However, Tate Campbell and Chibby Nwoko continued to perform brilliantly.”
A contentious moment arose late in the game when Kyle McAllister scored a third goal for Forest Green after a chain of passes starting from the goalkeeper. The linesman disallowed the goal for offside, a decision Savage disputes. “The keeper’s kick was intentional, no offside can be called on an intentional play like that. I’ve discussed it with the officials, and they are likely to be disappointed after reviewing it. A 3-1 lead with five minutes to go would have sealed the match.”
D’Mani Mellor made his debut for Forest Green, having signed just 24 hours earlier. Savage praised his impact, stating, “Mellor was brilliant. His movement and link-up play stand out—he should be playing at a higher level.”
Savage also served a touchline ban for a yellow card received at Gateshead and will be in the stands again for next Saturday’s away fixture at Southend. “Interestingly, both times Aldershot have played while I’m banned, we’ve won. Maybe my staff are trying to tell me something!”
Lineups:
Forest Green Rovers: Isted; Ahmed (Pemberton 72), Mingi (Bunker 59), Kanu, Buyabu (Kengni 59); Mendy, Campbell, McAllister, Nwoko (Haughton 80), Knowles (Clarke 72), Mellor. Subs: Pagel, Doidge.
Aldershot Town: Boyce-Clarke; Hill, Nightingale, Grogan, Sheckleford (Penney 46); Hargreaves, Meerholz (Frost 81); Warren, Henry (Peart 46), Barrett (Thomas 46); Stewart (Nelson 76). Subs not used: Nash, Anderson.
Referee: Declan Brown.
Attendance: 2,281 (368 away).