Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance following their hard-fought 3-2 victory at Aldershot Town on Saturday. Despite a late rally from Aldershot, Rovers secured their second consecutive league win—a milestone they hadn’t achieved since late September.
“We picked up three valuable points away in the National League,” Savage commented. “We controlled the first half well, deserved our goals, and honestly, we should have scored more. We’re sitting third in the league, and with some big clubs around us, I want to make it clear: we are not going away.”
The goals came from promising performances by key players. Kyle McAllister netted two, including the opener in the first half after capitalizing on a defensive error, and Jayden Clarke added a polished finish in a team move initiated by new signing Harry Isted. Clarke’s goal stemmed from a fluid sequence involving Inniss, Whitwell, Mendy, and Dausch, showcasing the cohesive attacking play Savage wants to see.
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Savage praised McAllister’s impact: “My son played with Kyle, and when I took over, I was told he’s the best player at Forest Green. At times, his output hasn’t matched his talent, but today he was magnificent—as he was at Luton. If he can maintain this level, with better end product, there’s no limit to how far he can go.”
Forest Green’s third goal came shortly after the hour mark when McAllister struck again following a loose clearance inside the box. Despite Rovers holding a three-goal lead, Aldershot responded quickly, scoring twice within three minutes to reignite the contest. Ciaran Gilligan capitalized on a deflected shot before a free kick was flicked on, courtesy of Kwame Thomas, deflecting past debutant goalkeeper Isted.
Despite a tense final twenty minutes, Forest Green held firm to claim three crucial points. Notably, Savage was absent from the touchline due to a suspension carried over from his FA Cup booking last week. “I was proud of Dan Watson, Dan Connor, and Jon McMahon for managing the team so well in my absence,” he said. “I was watching from the stands alongside Dale Vince and Mark Bowen. I want to thank our fans for their support and apologize I couldn’t celebrate with them after the win.”
Christian Doidge was missing from the squad again, but Savage remains optimistic about all his players' futures. “There is always a way back into the squad for any player. Right now, with Dausch performing well and Babalola’s physicality, it’s up to Doidge to fight for his place,” Savage explained. “We’re open to facilitating moves for players who feel they need more opportunities elsewhere, whether loans or permanent transfers.”
Forest Green now look ahead to their rescheduled National League fixture against Tamworth on Tuesday at The New Lawn. Savage shared his thoughts on the upcoming challenge: “I’ve seen Tamworth play; they’re a tough, physical side with long throws and quick players. But we believe in our ability to win and continue our progress.”
Aldershot Town lineup: Nash; Taylor, Nightingale, Jackson (Armitage 46), Inwood (Penney 89); Gilligan (Abrahams 86), Tetek (Anderson 46); Frost (Rai 46), Hargreaves, Jones; Thomas. Unused substitutes: Dewhurst, Mullins.
Forest Green Rovers lineup: Isted; Knowles (Pemberton 72), Inniss, Kanu, Buyabu (Moore 88); Mendy, Bunker; McAllister (Moore-Taylor 88), Whitwell, Clarke (Kengni 72); Dausch (Babalola 59). Unused substitutes: Pagel, Haughton.
Referee: Steven Copeland
Attendance: 2,219 (229 Forest Green supporters)