Ebullient Forest Green boss Robbie Savage heaped praise on his side after a swashbuckling victory at Gateshead.
Tom Knowles struck for the second time in as many games to hand Rovers the lead after just five minutes, finishing emphatically from Harry Isted’s raking clearance.
The play-off contenders doubled their advantage on 56 minutes when Fulham loanee Chibby Nwoko notched the first senior goal of his career, lifting a composed finish over Pete Jameson.
A delighted Savage said: “Second half against Boston, we were good, but we had too much to do. Got the first goal early, and the biggest thing today, was we kept the clean sheet. So proud about.”
Savage felt his tweaks to the side were spot on and lauded the impact of Nwoko: “We put Chibby in the 10, and Tom Knowles out on the left, both got the goals. So, again, you know, as a management team, we have to think what’s the best outcome for the game with the players in position. We just seen something in Gateshead, that Chibby would be good in the 10. He can play as a six, eight or 10. And in that 10, he gets forward and could have had another one, just shoot with his right foot. But it was a great little finish for the goal.”
Savage revealed that Knowles informed him that he had lost his beloved grandmother the day before the game : “I’m proud of that young man. You know, almost at the end, he come up to me, and he lost his nan yesterday, and he didn’t want to tell me. And he didn’t want to tell the players. And it was a very emotional time. I think the world of that kid. What he’s done, this is his ninth goal this season. He always gives me everything. And probably harder on him at times, you know, because I think the world of him.
“He said that performance was for his nan. So, what a kid. Nine goals, five assists this season, for the way he played. And I said to him, I wouldn’t have shouted at you as much if I’d have known, because that shot from the halfway line at half-time, I’d have been a bit more lenient. He’s a great kid. So, that’s a special one for him today, as it was for all the players. So, great performance on the road. Two great goals, could have been more. Could have been three or four. Back to our best in the 4-2-3-1.”
The day was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to striker Ricardo Rees, who is set for a scan today. Savage said: “We heard a click, so we’re hoping it’s not the worst, but it doesn’t look good. It’s been a great day, aside from possibly losing Ricardo for a while.”
Savage revealed he spoke at length to owner Dale Vince after the game and depending on Rees’s outcome, he may have to bring in another striker with Kairo Mitchell and Jose Marquez currently sidelined: “We’ve got Christian Doidge, Temi Babalola and Josh Osude is still out for two games, but fingers crossed for Ricardo.”
Savage thanked the fans, who made the long trip to Gateshead, he said: “The fans were brilliant again. Travelling all that distance – from Sunderland, Scotland, Scarborough, Yorkshire, Stroud and Nailsworth – the same faces every week. Incredible support. I’m proud of our team, proud of our club, and proud of what we’re building. Whatever happens, we’re on a journey, and this club is only going one way.”
It was certainly a good day for the Savage family: ” I think Reading got a late win as well – Charlie with an assist – so it’s been a good day in the Savage household,” said the Rovers’ boss. “It’s been a tough period recently, but tonight I finally get to go home after 10 days, see my family and my dog, and actually enjoy the weekend. My players gave me that today. And I’m delighted for them.”
