Robbie Savage expressed his frustration after Forest Green Rovers’ 3-0 friendly loss to Walsall at The New Lawn on Saturday. Despite an energetic and positive display, Savage stressed the need for greater clinical finishing from his side.
“It was a brilliant performance, but we’ve got to be more clinical,” Savage said after his first time in the dugout at Forest Green’s home ground ahead of the National League season opener.
“I was proud of my team today because I want to see positivity. I don’t want to be bored, and I wasn’t bored today—it was fun and energetic.”
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Walsall took a commanding lead by halftime thanks to two first-half headers from Johnny Stuttle and Aaron Pressley. Charlie Lakin sealed the victory with a 25-yard goal late in the match.
“They were clinical, with two wonderful balls into the box and two brilliant headers, but I’m proud of my team’s effort,” Savage added.
Forest Green made two halftime substitutions, bringing on Sean Long and Tom Knowles in place of Harvey Bunker and Tre Pemberton. Savage praised Knowles’ role as a right back, noting his experience playing wing-back.
Notably absent from the squad were Liam Sercombe, Cian Harries, and Joe Quigley, with Savage clarifying the situation regarding Sercombe: “He played lots of minutes last season, but I’ve been honest with him that he’s not going to be part of the squad going forward, as are a number of other players.”
Injury updates included Ryan Inniss and Harry Cardwell still sidelined, with Cardwell expected to be fit in two weeks. New signing Isaac Moore suffered a minor ankle injury but could return by Friday. Savage called Moore “a terrific player.”
New signing Laurent Mendy stood out with his flair and quick footwork. Savage acknowledged some nerves for Mendy, Pemberton, and Neil Kengni but encouraged them to continue driving forward with the ball.
Forest Green Rovers’ final pre-season match will be at home against Championship side Derby County on Friday, August 1, kicking off at 7 pm.
Match lineups:
Forest Green Rovers: McNicholas; Pemberton (Knowles 45), Bunker (Long 45), Kanu (Moore-Taylor 67), Kengni (Robson 54); Mendy, McCann (May 67); McAllister, Clarke, Bamba (Marquez 71); Mitchell (Doidge 59). Sub not used: Pagel.
Walsall: Roberts; Burke (Cox 62), Flint (Faquharson 71), Browne; Comley (Sawyers 79); Barrett (Adomah 79), Jellis (Clarke 71), Lakin, Hancock (Harper 79); Pressley (Matt 79), Stuttle (Gordon 71). Subs not used: Hornby, Weir, Maher.
Referee: Dean Whitehouse
Attendance: 992 (195 away)