Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has cautioned that his team faces a potentially “long, hard season” if they continue to concede goals as they did in Friday night’s 2-0 National League defeat at AFC Fylde.
The match was decided by a quickfire double from on-loan striker Harvey Broad, who netted twice within four minutes in the second half to maintain the Coasters’ strong start to the campaign and hand Rovers their second league defeat in a week without finding the net.
Broad, 20, who joined on a season-long loan from Coventry City to provide cover following the departure of £600,000 striker Danny Ormerod, opened the scoring on 65 minutes and added a second goal just three minutes later.
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The first half was tightly contested, with chances at a premium as defences dominated early proceedings. Forest Green had some opportunities to take the lead, including a missed chance from Nick Haughton, who blazed over from a promising position, and an effort from James Berry that forced a strong save from AFC Fylde goalkeeper Zac Jones. Ricardo Rees also came close but sliced a close-range shot wide. Meanwhile, Forest Green keeper Ethan Ross was fully stretched to keep out attempts from Ethan Mitchell.
Savage reflected on the first half: “We looked compact and aimed to avoid conceding early, which we managed. We created several chances, with crosses into the box, but lacked the final touch. The game plan was working, with three or four good opportunities while they had only one shot.”
However, in the second half, defensive lapses proved costly. “One ball over the top, a cross, defenders not doing their jobs, and it resulted in a tap-in,” Savage said. “The second goal was similar-so disappointing after four games with two wins and two defeats. At half-time, we were optimistic about winning, but people just didn’t perform their roles.”
Broad’s first goal stemmed from a flowing move by Fylde, with Greg Olley delivering a cross from the right. Cedric Main missed his chance to reach the ball, but Broad was there to fire it low into the bottom corner. The second came shortly after, with Aaron Drewe’s precise cross met by Broad’s perfectly timed volley.
Savage also addressed the defensive concerns, especially after the team conceded five unanswered goals over the last seven days. “We have to be better defensively, take accountability, and look at ourselves,” he said. “I will reflect on my own performance, but conceding two goals like that is unacceptable. Yes, the second was a quality cross, but you cannot leave someone unmarked six yards out. People need to do their jobs.”
He emphasised the importance of seizing opportunities: “We are giving players chances, but if they can’t perform, it will be a long, hard season. The fans were understandably disappointed, especially after a long journey to the match, but most were supportive.”
Savage noted the contrast between recent attacking performances and the current goalless streak. “We have plenty of attacking options. We have gone from winning two games from behind through good attacking play to two games without scoring. In the first half, we prevented Fylde from playing through or over us, but then defensive errors cost us. If we don’t start performing, the season will be challenging.”
He also commented on squad developments, mentioning the debut of new signing Freddie Sass and potential injury setbacks. “Freddie played 75 minutes but cramped up. James Berry pulled his hamstring early in the second half and could be out for six to eight weeks. He was lively in the first half, but mistakes such as not marking at the back post can’t happen. Players have to learn quickly-this is senior football.”
Team line-ups were as follows:
AFC Fylde: Jones; Drewe, Lewis, Lancaster, Whelan; Merrie, Upton (Thomas 84); Mitchell, Broad, Main, Olley. Subs not used: Boyes, Meadowcroft, Mayor, Morris, Stritch, Jackson.
Forest Green: Ross; Agina, Sass (Osude 76), Campbell, Mabete; Clarke, Berry (Etaluku 49), McAllister; Patrick, Haughton (Kelly 64), Rees (Mellor 64). Subs not used: McNicholas, Ajayi, Ewing.