Morecambe 1 Forest Green 3
Forest Green boss Robbie Savage hailed his side’s “sensational” attacking performance after their emphatic victory, insisting his players could easily have hit double figures on the night.
Returning to the top of the table and maintaining their unbeaten start to the season, a beaming Savage told BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Billy Hunt: “We were absolutely incredible,” he said. “We needed a reaction. We’re unbeaten in six, but the last two we weren’t our free-flowing selves. Tonight we should have scored 10 goals.”
GAFFER TAPES: Robbie Savage delivers his post-match synopsis to BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Billy Hunt after Rovers’ 3-1 victory at Morecambe. Listen to Savage’s unabridged interview below.
Despite conceding a 23rd minute howitzer from Morecambe’s Gwion Edwards, Savage heaped praise on his side’s response. “The reaction was exactly what I asked for. We conceded, but the lads didn’t let their heads drop — they just ploughed on.”
Rovers netted parity through Kyle McAllister after he shifted the ball onto his right-foot and fizzed in from just inside the area.
Tom Knowles nosed Rovers ahead on the cusp of the interval – sweeping in after a delicious cross from Neil Kengni was cleared into his pathway.
Just a minute after the restart, Rovers added a third after Kairo Mitchell’s header was saved by Mair but Knowles was on hand to strike.
Savage reserved special praise for a number of individuals who shone. “Neil Kenji down the left, Trey’s (Pemberton) energy, Nick (Haughton) in the ten, Harry Whitwell — wow, what a performance. Kairo (Mitchell) was brilliant up front, Knowlesy (Tom) got two goals, Kyle (McAllister) should’ve had eight. Everyone was magnificent. Mendy, how he isn’t playing in the league.”
Rovers’ boss was also quick to show admiration for Morecambe, their staff and fans. “ I went over to applaud their fans. For them to have a football club after what they’ve been through, it was brilliant. Ash (Ashvir Singh Johal) and Lee (Tomlin) conduct themselves ever so well. I know what it’s like to lose a club like Macclesfield did — they’ve saved theirs, and I hope they go on to have a wonderful season.”
On the opposition goal, he added: “It was excellent, worked really well. But Ash’s side have only been together two and a half weeks. Give them time and they’ll finish top half easily.”
Savage also praised saluted his senior leaders: “Jordan’s (Moore-Taylor) back spasmed but he’ll be all right — he’s been magnificent as captain. Ryan Inniss gives me a calm reassurance; he’s a real leader, model professional.”
There was recognition too for Harry Bunker, who marked his 100th club appearance after coming off the bench: “I wanted to reward him. He works so hard, never moans, and he’ll get chances this season. Bunks is a fantastic lad.”
Forest Green’s philosophy remains clear: attack with intensity. “Even if we’d been beaten tonight, that’s the way we’re going to play — brave, high intensity, ripping teams apart,” said the boss.
“We’ll be entertaining. That’s my style of football. At Macclesfield we scored 109 goals — I want 100 goals here. We should’ve scored six or seven against Solihull, Sutton, and 10 tonight – that’s the truth.”
But he admitted one frustration: “The only disappointment is not being ruthless enough and taken more chances. We should be coming away with a statement — a 7, 8, 9–1 win.”
Savage paid tribute to the travelling support, who made the long journey on a Tuesday night to Lancashire. “The fans were brilliant again. I know how expensive it is, how late it is getting back — a huge thank you to every single one of them and I want to see the New Lawn rocking on Saturday against a good side in Hartlepool.”
Morecambe: Mair, Conte, Francillette, Edwards (Nuttall 81), Azeez, Cain (Williams 77), Muskwe (Panayiotou 77), Sesay (Agyemang 66), Tollitt, Sangare (Lewis 66), Songo’o.
Subs not used: Scales, Campbell.
Forest Green: McNicholas, Kengni, Pemberton, Kanu, Moore-Taylor (Inniss 45), Whitwell, Mendy, Haughton (Clarke 69), McAllister (Bamba 88), Knowles, Mitchell (Balagizi 69)
Subs not used: Pagel, Bunker, Moore.
Attendance: 2,595 (57 away)
