“We know Worthing will make it a very difficult game. They’re a good side, it’s on 4G and it will be a good atmosphere,” FGR Manager Robbie Savage appreciates the challenges Worthing will provide his side.
“The cameras will be there and we all know why, there might be an upset. We’ve got to guard against that and we’re going to go very, very strong. But we’re not going to focus on Worthing, we’re going to focus on us.”
Worthing’s playing surface is artificial, a turf which Rovers will be playing on for the first time this season.
However Savage does not consider the pitch to impact any tactical decisions he makes in the build-up to the game.
“The Macclesfield boys played on it every other week. What we got used to is if the ball goes over the top, the ball will spin and hold up quicker.
“It is different when you don’t play on it regularly, but again it’s going to be the same for both teams.
“They’ll be more used to it, so they’ll know the bounce of the ball. If it’s wet, they’ll know how far it slips off but we’ll be able to pop the ball around.”
TONIGHT. A NEW ERA. 🙌
— Worthing FC (@WorthingFC) October 13, 2025
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Savage did not give much away in terms of team selection but did however state he will be going with the strongest eleven available to him on the day.
“A few of the lads who had operations last year or missed out on pre-season may struggle on the 4G pitch, especially with Carlisle on Saturday.
“So again, it’s going to be a balancing act. I want to play the strongest team that’s available to me.
“There might be one or two changes to the 11 or 18, but I’m not going to make excuses as whatever 11 is out there should be strong enough.”
Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season against Rochdale last time out and the 50-year-old admitted that he got it wrong on the day.
“As a group, we got it wrong against Rochdale. I think we went away from our aggressive, front-footed, all-action, high-pressing style of football.
“I think we focused on the opposition too much, that’s myself and my coaching staff. I don’t think I gave my players the best opportunity to win a game of football.”
Tonight’s game is televised live on TNT Sports, with kick off taking place after the First Round draw has taken place.
Savage views the game as a great opportunity of exposure for the club, who have made an impressive start to the season.
“For some of our players, what a chance. As I’ve said before, it’s the first time some of our players have had their name and number on the back of their shirt.
“If they could play in the FA Cup first round proper, it would also be an amazing experience for me to manage in it.”
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