Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage praised the spirited Southend United fans following his team’s dramatic 2-1 home victory on Saturday. The win was sealed by two late goals from Harry Whitwell and Kyle McAllister, marking only Rovers’ second victory against top-seven opponents this season.
Savage reflected on the significance of the win, especially given their narrow play-off semi-final defeat to Southend last year. “It meant a little bit more after last year’s play-off semi-final, they took the lead undeservedly,” Savage said. “We showed character and determination. Not only are we athletic, dynamic, young, and hungry, but we also have some real characters in that dressing room. We were magnificent.”
Following the final whistle, Savage celebrated passionately, pumping his fists toward the away fans, which sparked a brief on-pitch scuffle involving Southend’s Gus Scott-Morriss. However, Savage maintained that the gesture was in good spirit. “This is for the fans, the emotion after the game; their fans sang in great spirit today,” he said. “When you hear them singing ‘Savage, Savage, what’s the score’ at 1-0 up, you want to respond. Our fans will have gone away happy, and that’s for them.”
READ MORE: Burford: The Charming Gateway Town to the Cotswolds with Unexpected Wildlife Attractions
READ MORE: Plans Unveiled for 280 Homes and a New Hotel on Newent’s Outskirts
McAllister’s stunning long-range strike from 25 yards with his left foot secured the late winner, leaving Savage in awe. “You see what happens when we shoot! Kyle just let fly, and it flew into the top corner. That’s what can happen,” he enthused. “It’s great that the team listened to the message after last week to take more shots. How many did we have today?”
Whitwell’s equaliser on 78 minutes came from a perfectly timed flick-on, allowing him to drill the ball into the bottom corner. Savage praised the West Brom loanee’s technique, saying, “What a strike. To keep his foot over the ball and drive it into the corner was magnificent. Harry probably wants to stay with us because he wants to see us get promoted. He’s magnificent.”
Southend had initially taken the lead through Slavi Spasov on 68 minutes, who finished from close range after a curling cross by Scott-Morriss. “I was thinking ‘here we go again,’ but the desire and character from the team pulled us through. I’m so proud today,” said Savage.
Laurent Mendy captained Forest Green in the absence of club captain Jordan Moore-Taylor, who came on late in the game. Savage explained the captaincy decision: “Mendy’s a natural leader—he’s vocal and can pull the team together. Kyle doesn’t need the armband; I want him free to express himself as he did today. Mendy will be the captain going forward, though Jordan remains our club captain. I’m proud of Mendy.”
The first 20 minutes belonged to Southend, who controlled possession but failed to create clear chances. Forest Green grew into the game, firing six shots on target late in the first half, all expertly saved by Southend goalkeeper Nick Hayes.
Savage concluded, “We had an excellent first half overall. It took a little time to settle, but once we did, we dominated the final third and created numerous chances, though it stayed goalless at halftime.”
With this inspiring comeback, Forest Green Rovers continue their pursuit of promotion, demonstrating resilience and attacking flair that could prove vital in the matches ahead.