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Robbie Savage Uses Cup Loophole With Four First‑Minute Subs as Forest Green Beat Wolves U21s

The manager says the rapid changes complied with a rule that forces clubs to start four players from their previous league match.

Overview

  • Forest Green won 3-2 in the National League Cup, with goals from Jose Marquez, Isaac Moore and Harry Cardwell against Wolves' under-21s.
  • Competition regulations require non-Premier League clubs to start at least four players who began their last league game, which Savage satisfied before replacing them immediately.
  • Savage said his team "followed the competition rules to the letter" as he defended making four substitutions inside the first minute.
  • The approach has precedent this season for Forest Green and has been mirrored elsewhere, with Rochdale also making very early changes in a separate tie.
  • Marquez scored and provided two assists and will be brought into first-team plans after his Alvechurch loan ends on Sunday, with involvement set for the Altrincham fixture.