Forest Green fan Tom Carter hands out the ratings as Forest Green took on Championship outfit Derby County at the New Lawn in their final friendly before the new National League campaign.
The only goal of the game came in the 71st minute. It stemmed from the outstanding Laurent Mendy’s foraging to release the energetic Tom Knowles to see Christian Doidge’s effort palmed towards the goal line, with Knowles showing the exact desire required to force the ball over the line.
FGR PLAYER RATINGS
Luke McNicholas – 8.0 – Whilst Luke didn’t have masses to do, everything he did do was perfect. He was decisive when he needed to be and his distribution was excellent, evidenced in the first half with a 60-yard sidewinder which fell perfectly at the feet of Kengni.
Neil Kengni – 7.6 – His pace was on display throughout the game. He was free to push as high and as frequently as he wished. With more game time, we’ll see his end product improve. It’ll be a interesting battle between him and Jamie Robson for that starting berth at left-back.
Jordan Moore-Taylor – 8.3 – Didn’t put a foot wrong. A classic JMT performance – he was positionally very good and utilised his passing range on several occasions. He will be absolutely critical to the system Robbie Savage is looking to implement.
Abraham Kanu – 8.2 – Kanu was calm and composed throughout the game, making several line breaking passes. He was equally comfortable making blocks and pivotal tackles within his own penalty area. He did struggle with his shorts again, which amused everyone noticed in the first 20 seconds. One for the kit manager to tackle.
Tre Pemberton – 8.2 – Officially the sponsors awarded man of the match, Tre looked to establish the starting right-back berth as his own. He was assured on the ball offensively, whilst simultaneously keeping a very experienced Ward at bay.
Isaac Moore – 8.3 – What a pick up Isaac looks to be. He played with real confidence – I see him being one of the first names on the team sheet throughout the year. His positional discipline will excite the more defensively minded fans – you can see why Coventry think so highly of the 19-year-old.
Laurent Mendy – 9.0 – A truly superb shift from Mendy. He was everywhere from minute one. Unfortunately, I don’t have the data on his interceptions and duals, but I would hazard a guess they’d be through the roof. He was as combative as he was controlled. I instantly saw shades of Ebou Adams, high energy, passionate and determined to win every 50/50. His contribution to the goal could easily go largely unnoticed – but for me, encapsulates everything you want from your 6.
Kyle McAllister – 8.0 – A quieter game by Kyle’s high standards, but the Scot graced the field with his usual class. He didn’t get as much as the ball as would be typical and was at points drifting infield more, to allow Tre to overlap him wide. A solid performance nonetheless.
Yahaya Bamba – 7.8 – My good friend Stewart perfectly captured my thoughts on Bamba. He will excite and frustrate in equal measure whilst he picks up confidence and improves his end product. He is electrically quick, sometimes too quick for himself. I think he’ll be crucial to Savage’s system, whilst also offering pace in games when we do sit deeper. He gives us a real transitional threat.
Jayden Clarke – 7.9 – Jayden exemplified the qualities in which we were promised upon his signing. He put in a assured performance, with some particularly eye catching moves on the ball in the opening 45. Would like to see Jayden get more of the ball – something which will come as he picks up match fitness. I can see him operating anywhere across the front line, adding much needed versatility to FGR.
Kairo Mitchell – 8.0 – If you could design a centre forward to play in a Savage XI, my inkling is he would be his man. 6’4, rapid and strong – it’s a pretty daunting prospect. The only thing missing from his game was finishing his opportunity in the first half. He ran the channels extremely well, opening up space for McAllister and Bamba to operate in.
Match gallery – scroll through all the action from photographer Peter Barnes
Subs (No ratings for players less than 10 minutes)
Tom Knowles – 8.9 – The definition of a confidence player. He looked a man possessed, firmly pushing for a starting position next week in Solihull. Tom was direct and aggressive on the ball, essentially creating his own opportunity for the goal.
Christian Doidge – 8.5 – It only took Christian a matter of minutes to show why he’s so highly coveted amongst everyone at FGR. His eye for goal is unrivalled in the squad, he looked sharp and caused the opposition multiple issues. One to watch, it’ll be interesting to see how him, Mitchell and Cardwell battle for position in the XI.
Adam May – 8.8 – This time yesterday afternoon, I wondered what May’s role would be in Savage’s side. 24 hours later, I can see a path for May being critical in his system. He has the eye and more importantly, the ability. to pick out passes across the entirety of the pitch. In the first half, runs were often under-utilised – this all changed in the second half, with May pulling the strings. Great performance Adam.
Jamie Robson – 8.5 – Robson’s influence was evident, bringing greater composure to the left flank. He looked equally comfortable defending as he did on the ball. Very impressive & will certainly give Savage a decision to make.
Bunker – More of a cameo from Harvey, which included a pretty feisty tackle. Difficult to settle into the game as only had the last 10 minutes
Marquez – Similar to Bunker – didn’t have too much time to make an impact. Looked assured and competent in his actions.
Charlie McCann – A late substitute with limited time to make a impact on the game.
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