Forest Green Rovers were beaten 2-1 by Altrincham after conceding a stoppage-time goal, with manager Robbie Savage accepting responsibility for lifting a squad that has now suffered three consecutive defeats.
The match, reported on August 31, 2026, was decided in the fifth minute of added time when Altrincham substitute Kahrel Reddin arrived unmarked at the back post to turn the ball home. The result came despite Rovers dominating possession, creating numerous chances and quickly recovering from falling behind in the second half.
Rovers punished after late Altrincham attack
Forest Green began with attacking intent. Kyle McAllister sent an inviting ball towards Josh Osude, who rose highest but headed over the bar. Altrincham goalkeeper Owen Evans then got a glove to Jayden Clarke’s powerful effort from outside the box as the home side increased the pressure.
Altrincham also showed they could threaten. Ethan Ross reacted sharply to deny Tom Crawford, while Evans spilled Nick Haughton’s skidding attempt after the Forest Green midfielder had created room for himself.
The first half was interrupted for several minutes when a supporter in the South Stand required medical attention. The source reported that the person appeared to be all right, and Savage later praised the club’s medical team for its response.
Savage made two changes at half-time, replacing Haughton and Osude with Ricardo Rees and Omari Patrick. Altrincham started the second period positively, forcing Freddie Sass and Filozofe Mabete into last-ditch defensive clearances. Forest Green responded with efforts from McAllister and Clarke as both sides looked to break the deadlock.
The visitors went ahead in the 54th minute. Jimmy Knowles drove forward without being stopped and struck past Ross, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Forest Green levelled less than a minute later, with Rees supplying McAllister, who finished confidently.
Rovers continued to pursue a winning goal. With three minutes remaining, Altrincham substitute Jack Hinchy nearly put through his own net with a poor backpass, but Evans retreated quickly enough to prevent the ball crossing the line.
Altrincham finally made the pressure count at the other end. Knowles drove into the box and Sam Taylor’s ball found Reddin at the back post, where the substitute tapped in to settle the match in the 95th minute.
Savage says players gave everything
Savage said the manner of the defeat had left his players deeply disappointed, but felt the performance reflected the commitment demanded by the supporters.
“The boys are devastated at the end and disappointed. First and foremost, I thought the fans were exceptional. They started the game and, at the end, applauded. I think they’ve seen a team who gave everything.”
The manager said Altrincham had scored twice from two second-half shots, while Forest Green had been unable to convert their greater control and opportunities into points. He also said the team had responded immediately after conceding and had shown the desired effort, application and desire.
“We created chances and got a goal straight away after they scored. It’s a defeat, but the effort, application and desire was there.”
Savage attributed some of the late difficulties to fatigue. Several players had been left exhausted by the previous Friday’s fixture, particularly because of the intensity of Forest Green’s pressing approach. He said some members of the squad had not played consecutive matches for several weeks, and in some cases months, meaning the changes were enforced rather than simply tactical.
He said the replacements had been introduced to maintain the press, while acknowledging that the players had been worn down by the demands placed on them. Savage also described the late concession as a collective issue: after there had initially been no danger when the ball broke in midfield, a sequence of passes and a ball to the back post created the winning chance.
The defeat was Forest Green’s third in a row, but Savage said the campaign was still only five games old and urged the group to continue working through what he called a difficult period. He praised Altrincham for blocking shots, heading away danger and defending resolutely despite their own challenging start.
“It’s up to me to lift them.”
Savage said he, Josh Bowen, Jan Klukowski and Jonathan Gould would continue providing the players with information and support. He described the squad as young and dynamic, and said he could not ask for more from the group in terms of the way they had tried to win the game.
He also spoke about the emotional pressure of the result, saying he loved working at Forest Green, the people around the club and the daily task of helping players improve. However, he accepted that results ultimately determined the mood around the team.
Training, Hornchurch trip and overseas trial
Forest Green’s immediate focus is a trip to Hornchurch. The players were due to report for training on Tuesday, take Wednesday off and then travel in search of a positive result against opponents Savage described as “absolutely flying”.
The manager said the club was not expecting to make further additions before Saturday. One overseas player was nevertheless due to arrive for a trial, with Forest Green planning to assess him during the week and make a decision at the end of it.
Clarke was named Rovers’ Star Man after an “imperious” performance in midfield. McAllister also made a notable contribution by scoring the equaliser, while Liverpool loanee Kyle Kelly, Neil Kengni, Oli Ewing, Nick Haughton and Sean Etaluku were among the other players highlighted in the match report.
Forest Green lined up with Ross in goal behind Agina, Campbell, Mabete and Sass, with Clarke and Kelly in the deeper midfield roles. Etaluku, McAllister and Haughton supported Osude in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Substitutions included Rees, Patrick, Ewing, Kengni and Mellor, while McNicholas and Ajayi were unused substitutes.
The attendance was 1,783, including 78 away supporters. The recorded result was Forest Green Rovers 1, Altrincham 2, with the match report’s narrative indicating a goalless first half.