Loan Watch: Savage helps Forest Green to important win

Savage, who turned down the opportunity to link up with Wales’ Under-21s squad to focus on helping Forest Green stave off relegation from League One, played a key role as Duncan Ferguson’s side recorded a monumental victory over one of the promotion favourites in Sheffield Wednesday.

Savage started for Rovers at The New Lawn and played 94 minutes, only being substituted deep into injury time, with the home side all but across the line.

Jordon D’Andre Garrick opened the scoring in the 35th minute, turning home from close range, and that finish was ultimately enough to hand the hosts a valuable three points.

What a win vs Sheffield Wednesday today, enjoyed that one 😁 pic.twitter.com/w1xap4X4kL

— Charlie Savage (@charliesavage84) March 26, 2023

The youngster was denied the opening goal by a fabulous save by Cameron Dawson and worked tirelessly for the cause.

When Savage turned down the opportunity to represent Wales’ Under-21s, he expressed his desire to help the League One side avoid the drop.

“I’m really enjoying my time with Forest Green and want to give everything to help us fight for points,” he said.

“I want to repay the respect and loyalty to an incredible group of players, coaches and staff who are giving everything every day for this club.”

He certainly did that on Saturday, and both he and Forest Green will surely be hoping the triumph over Wednesday can act as a catalyst for a building momentum in the busy end-of-season run-in.

Elsewhere, the only other loanee in action over the weekend was Joe Hugill, who played the full 90  minutes for Altrincham, as they defeated Southend United 1-0 at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Regan Linney earned and converted a late penalty to clinch the win for the home side, moving them up to 13th in the National League table. Altrincham are also back in action tomorrow (Tuesday), hosting second-placed Notts County.