Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed immense pride in his team following an exhilarating 3-3 draw at Sutton United, despite his side playing a significant portion of the second half with ten men.
Rovers dominated the opening 30 minutes, executing the game plan with precision. Savage was full of praise for his players' organisation and discipline, which unsettled Sutton early on. “We were magnificent for 30 minutes,” he said. “The system was working. We were narrow, we were compact, we were good.”
Jayden Clarke opened the scoring by capitalising on a rebound, exactly as Savage had advised his players to pursue second chances - a strategy he discussed with friend Ian Holloway. “It’s a great finish,” remarked Savage.
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Forest Green continued to look dangerous and nearly extended their lead before half-time when Sutton cleared a shot off the line.
Early in the second half, substitute Oliver Ewing made an immediate impact, displaying sharp finishing and relentless pressing. “He’s waited his chance. Great finish, great desire, the press,” noted Savage.
The game took a turn when Forest Green were reduced to ten men following a second yellow card for Freddie Sass. Savage described it as “a real poor decision” and regarded that moment as “the turning point of the game,” with Sutton increasing their pressure as a result.
Despite being a man down, Rovers remained dangerous on the counterattack, and Kyle McAllister restored their two-goal lead with a superb finish assisted by Clarke. “Wow, what a finish for Macca,” said Savage.
However, Sutton fought back with a spectacular strike described by Savage as “a worldy,” before a late header brought the home side level.
Savage acknowledged the closeness of the contest, saying, “3-3 could have lost it but also could have won it.”
He was particularly proud of his players' resilience after the sending off. “Every player in that second half gave everything for me and for the club. And for that, I’m proud. It’s a point away from home.”
Looking ahead, Forest Green face Wealdstone at home on Tuesday. Injuries, international call-ups, and suspensions are expected to test the squad’s depth. Savage encouraged those who may get their chance to “go and believe in yourselves. We got a squad for a reason.”
He also challenged younger players to seize the opportunities when they arise: “Go on, go and show people how good you are. You’ve waited for opportunities.”
After a dramatic afternoon in South London, Savage’s overriding sentiment was one of pride. “I couldn’t be prouder of this football club and this team.”
Match Details
Sutton United: 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: 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.