Forest Green boss Steve Cotterill was full of praise after goalkeeper Vicente Reyes produced a man-of-the-match display to help his struggling side upset League Two play-off hopefuls Walsall 2-O.
The on-loan Norwich and Chile Under-23 shotstopper denied Isaac Hutchinson from the penalty spot and kept out a point-blank effort from Josh Gordon as 10-man Walsall went home empty-handed.
“Vinny has been fantastic ever since he’s been here,” the manager said. “He’s a great lad and will get plaudits today and rightfully so. But it is always a team effort – Walsall have had other chances and we’ve got some great blocks in.
“It is all about staying in the game. When things get tough for you, you have to dig in even harder and do all the horrible things.
“The boys at the back gave us a good foundation to build off and they are a little more cohesive with each other.”
And with the win edging Forest Green to within two points of safety, Cotterill said there was still plenty to pay for.
He added: “We need to try and get above the line. When I came in it was nine points and we’ve managed to chip away with it.
“There are going to be bumps in the road and further twists and turns but it’s about us being focused, determined, working hard and being honest because we’re not going to turn into the best club in the league.”
It was Walsall who started the better but failed to test Reyes and instead, visiting goalkeeper Jackson Smith made the first save of the afternoon when he kept out a Charlie McCann effort.
Gordon missed the best chance of the half when he managed to guide the ball into the arms of Reyes from close range just before the break and the keeper then denied the same player with his outstretched foot at the start of the second period.
The game swung after 64 minutes when a quick break from the hosts saw Christian Doidge hit the post and Emmanuel Osadebe tucked away the rebound.
Walsall’s misery continued when Reyes brilliantly saved Hutchinson’s penalty and then, moments later, David Okagbue was sent off.
Salt was rubbed into the visitors’ wounds after 81 minutes when McAllister fired in a penalty at the other end to wrap up the points.
Disappointed Walsall manager Mat Sadler said: “It felt like one of those days. They are fighting for their lives and if we don’t take our chances then it gives them a little bit of momentum.
“I thought we were the team on the front foot but we have to dust ourselves down now and go again. It’s just another element of the winding road of the season.
“We have a very together squad who are desperate to do something and we always believe in ourselves.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
