Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage encouraged his players to hold their heads high after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Boreham Wood in the National League play-offs. The only goal came late in extra time, scored by Zak Brunt following a hard-fought, goalless 105 minutes.
Savage expressed pride in the club and the 600 Forest Green supporters who made the trip, creating an encouraging atmosphere throughout the match. “It was a great game of football with some outstanding saves and significant chances on both sides,” he said, highlighting goalkeeper Harry Isted’s crucial interventions.
The Rovers were dealt a blow on match day as captain Jordan Moore-Taylor was ruled out due to an infection in his toe. Savage praised the performance of Tre, who stepped up in his absence, describing him as outstanding. However, he also acknowledged the physical toll on his squad, with several players battling injuries and fatigue.
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Key moments included Isted’s triple saves — including a remarkable stop during a one-on-one situation — which kept Forest Green in the contest. Despite hitting the bar late in extra time through James Clarke, Forest Green couldn’t find the breakthrough. Boreham Wood’s goalkeeper, Ted Curd, also made vital stops, notably denying Jayden Clarke’s attempt near the end of the game.
Savage, who is in the first year of his three-year managerial contract, remains optimistic about the future. “We have 16 to 17 players committed for next season, and the experience gained this year will only make us stronger,” he stated. His eyes are set firmly on returning to the play-offs and pushing further next season.
Boreham Wood squad featured Curd; Clarke (Coxe 111), O’Connell, Bush, Ilesanmi; White, Booty (Reynolds 73); Ayinde (Richardson 73), Brunt (Sousa 106), Abdulmalik (Landers 106), Rush.
Forest Green Rovers lined up with Isted; Pemberton (Doidge 106), Mingi, Mendy, Buyabu (Kengni 95); Clarke, Campbell (Haughton 106); Etaluku (Rees 72), McAllister, Knowles (Nwoko 100); Mellor.
Referee for the match was Kirsty Dowle in front of an attendance of 2,452 fans, including 550 Forest Green supporters.