Ecstatic Forest Green boss Robbie Savage lavished praise on captain Kyle McAllister as his side made it back-to-back wins with a thumping victory over toothless Gateshead.
A first-half strike from McAllister put Savage’s side in the driving seat at half-time before second-half goals from Ricardo Rees, Jayden Clarke and Oli Ewing handed Rovers all three points.
A beaming Savage said: “I honestly believe that Macca’s (Kyle McAllister) the best player in the league. Not just for his goal contributions, for his all-round work. In the 90th minute, he won the ball in the right-back position. An incredible leader, the way he plays, and again, he epitomises everything Forest Green’s about, hard work, relentless front-footed football.”
With Rovers set to lose four unnamed players to international duty, Savage revealed that West Ham and England Under 20 midfielder Preston Fearon has sealed a loan switch to the Gloucestershire outfit: “He had an opportunity with other clubs, but again it just goes to show what we can do here with young players,” Savage said. “He’ll be great for us over the next one to three months.
“He’ll bring energy, he’ll bring creativity, he’ll bring skill, he’ll bring work ethic, so we’re delighted to have him and once again one of the best young players in the country. He’s played for England under 20s, has chosen Forest Green for his first senior destination.”
From the get-go, Rovers started with intent, and only a strong glove from the airborne Pete Jameson prevented Liverpool loanee Kyle Kelly’s piledriver from bulging the net after some nimble footwork from Reading loan star Kelvin Abrefa.
Rovers broke the deadlock on 43 minutes, McAllister slotting beyond Jameson after Sean Etaluku’s endeavour and Rees’ pass conjured the opportunity.
Looking to change the narrative after the break, Lee Cattermole made an early triple substitution for the visitors.
Ethan Ross’s first save in anger came just past the hour, with the Rovers keeper gloving an inswinging corner from Michael Spellman off the line.
Five minutes later, Rees capped off a flowing move for Rovers’ second on 65 minutes with Gabe Kircough, Freddie Sass, Tate Campbell and Kyle McAllister all involved.
The irrepressible Clarke made it three by sweeping home inside the box with 21 minutes left on the clock from Nick Haughton’s clever movement.
Rovers substitute Ewing completed the rout in added time with a sweet hit from the edge of the box after Kircough laid the ball into his path.
Gateshead boss Cattermole was measured after his side suffered a fifth defeat in their opening seven games of the season
“I always knew it was going to be difficult, but first half we got through the first 20 minutes and then grew into the game a little bit and unfortunately we got a free kick in the final third and got counted on and conceded just before half-time, which was disappointing.
“But we came in at half-time and I said, ‘Lads, keep the belief, pick your heads up.’ And to be fair, I thought we were having a decent spell.
“It’s a disappointing result, but we knew it was going to be difficult and all our away games at the minute have been long distances and against top teams, and you know we’ve got to accept that, but still not accept the result and the performance.”
Forest Green Rovers: (4-2-3-1) Ross 7; Abrefa 7 (Patrick 70, 7), Mabete 7, Ajayi 6 (Kircough 46, 8), Sass 7; Clarke 9, Campbell 7; Etaluku 7 (Ewing 72, 7) Kelly 8 (Haughton 60, 7 ), McAllister 8; Rees 7 (Mellor 72, 6).
Subs not used: McNicholas, Ifeanyi.
Gateshead: (4-3-3) Jameson 7; Holgate 5, Lankshear 6 (Issaka 55, 6), Ferguson 6, Robinson 6; Lewis-Burgess 6, Coyle 6 (Smith 55 6,), Home 6; Supyk 6, Spellman 6, Hiwula 6 (John 55,6).
Subs not used: Cameron, Lavery, Boatswain, Eguaibor
Full-time: Forest Green 3 (McAllister 43, Rees 65, Clarke 69, Ewing 90+4) Gateshead 0
Half time: Forest Green 1 Gateshead 0
Referee: Adam Merchant
Star man: (Jayden Clarke- Forest Green, holding midfielder).
Attendance: 1,472
Rating: 4/5
Match statistics
FGR/ GATESHEAD
Shots on target: 13 / 1
Shots off target: 9 / 1
Corners: 5 / 2
Offside: 1 / 1
Fouls: 11 / 13
Yellow: 3 / 3
Red: 0 /0
