Forest Green Rovers’ manager Robbie Savage was candid after his team’s 2-0 loss to Southend United on Saturday, admitting that his side was thoroughly outplayed.
From the very start at Roots Hall, Southend dominated play, and although the final score was 2-0, Savage conceded his team was fortunate the defeat wasn’t heavier. “They were the better team by a mile and could have scored more,” he remarked. “Everything went wrong today — we were lacklustre, lacked desire for second balls, and our backline sat too deep. We couldn’t push up the pitch effectively.”
Southend took an early lead within three minutes through James Golding, who converted a corner with a well-timed header despite Forest Green’s attempts to clear. Savage acknowledged defensive lapses: “We work on defending set pieces, but he had a free header. It’s never the start you want.”
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The Shrimpers sealed the win late in the second half with a second headed goal from Gus Scott Morriss, capitalizing on poor marking during another corner. “Two players were left unmarked at the back post despite knowing Scott Morriss is a threat. Decision-making was poor across the pitch,” Savage explained. “If you can’t fight or show desire, you deserve to lose, and today we simply didn’t deserve anything.”
Temperatures flared following the final whistle, notably between Forest Green players Jili Buyabu and Abraham Kanu and some traveling fans. Savage acknowledged the frustration: “There will be one or two frustrated individuals, and rightly so given the collective performance. I will review this in detail.”
Serving the last game of a suspension, Savage was watching from the director’s box but does not believe his absence from the technical area impacted the team. “The last two games have been great, but today the desire was missing, and that’s the biggest issue.”
On a positive note, substitute Jayden Clarke was deployed in an unusual defensive midfield role and impressed. “He did well against Yate in the week and was positive today, seeking the ball and looking to create opportunities when he came on.”
Southend United: Andeng Ndi; Scott-Morris, Taylor, Golding (Goodliffe 80), Gubbins, Boyes; Appiah-Forson (Mawene 90), Morton, Coker (Austin 73); Dallas (Walker 80), Hopper (Spasov 90). Subs not used: Bridge, Kendall.
Forest Green Rovers: Isted; Ahmed (Pemberton 64), Inniss (Kircough 73), Kanu, Buyabu; Campbell (Clarke 46), Mendy; McAllister, Nwoko (Haughton 73), Knowles (Marquez 73); Mellor. Subs not used: Pagel, Kengni.
Referee: Paul Howard. Attendance: 8,702 (178 away supporters).