Climbing into second spot, can Jamille Matt fire Forest Green to promotion?

Forest Green flexed their promotion contesting muscles on Saturday, registering a crucial victory over fellow contenders, Carlisle United.

In a game of few chances, not aided by an almost apocalyptic hailstorm during the second stanza, Rovers ultimately came out on top, reaffirming that their harboured ambitions of elevating into League One are genuine.

Jamille Matt pounced with under a quarter of an hour of the contest remaining, sending the 900 strong home faithful into raptures.

In truth, he was on the periphery for large parts. However, when the vital chance presented itself, his predatory instincts kicked in and he made no mistake, bundling home from close range amidst a sea of bodies. The strike took his personal tally to nine for the season, his efficiency projecting Rovers to second in the table.

At the age of 31, Matt has led the career of a true journeyman, having appeared for nine different clubs. The longest association with any one club, you ask? A paltry three years.

From humble beginnings at Sutton Coldfield Town and later, Kidderminster Harriers, he was plucked from non-league by Fleetwood Town for a significant fee – becoming Town’s record signing at the time. In three seasons with the Cod Army, he recorded just 14 goals.

Matt’s talent has always been apparent, although, his professionalism, has been brought into question at times. Perhaps unable to cope with the pressure that comes with a substantial price tag, but whatever the reasoning, he was unable to make the cut at Highbury.

Rejected by Town, he was farmed out on various loan spells, taking in stints at Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle. During these periods, he was unsuccessful in trying to shake the inability to make an impact that had previously haunted him – chalking up a mere six goals cumulatively.

With Fleetwood finally calling it a day on the Jamille Matt project, Blackpool recruited him, unfortunately though, the struggles continued, a dreary return of just three goals in 32 injury plagued games. New club, same story, Matt was loaned out once again, this time to Grimsby Town.

Unsurprisingly, and you have probably guessed the script by now, a similar outcome – four goals in 34 appearances.

Then, as if by magic, Newport County came to the rescue, and all the pieces fell into place. Paired with Padraig Amond, he plundered 20 goals, more strikes than with any other club at EFL level.

Matt was a crucial figure during his time at Rodney Parade, accruing 97 appearances and claiming numerous vital finishes. None more so than an unstoppable header in the famous giant killing of former Premier League champions, Leicester City, helping the exiles to a memorable FA Cup run.

Unfortunately for the Welsh side, they were forced to cut ties with a number of key players in the summer, hit hard financially by the ongoing pandemic. Forest Green capitalised, swooping in the hope he can act as an attacking focal point, something Rovers have lacked since the departure of Christian Doidge.

At 6”4, Matt cuts an imposing figure, and his physical approach evidently unsettles centre back pairings. His physical stature allows him to consistently execute expert hold-up play and the considerable experience boasted at this level is invaluable.

Matt’s ability to convert potential stalemates into pivotal victories may prove worth its weight in gold as Rovers seek to continue their upward surge. On the back of the victory over Carlisle, the Green Devils have stretched their unbeaten streak to six matches, whilst snapping United’s run of four games without defeat.

Manager Mark Cooper was full of praise for the forward following his vital contribution:

I thought the big centre forward today was colossal, in terms of his hold up play, and he got us the winning goal. He led the line and that’s how you need your number nine to play – Mark Cooper

Surrounded by a strong supporting cast, and seemingly having put to bed previous inconsistencies, Matt’s knack for inflicting damage within the area is truly alive and kicking within the Stroud valleys.

Having been a National League outfit for many years, Forest Green’s rapid rise to prominence, as a firmly established League Two side, is somewhat of a fairy tale. Admittedly, the investment from Chairman, Dale Vince, has played a large part. Still, the fact that Nailsworth is the smallest town to host an EFL club, should bring a smile to the face of any football purist.

Rovers have been eyeing promotion in recent seasons, denied the campaign before last, Tranmere Rovers putting them to the sword in the unrelenting play-offs.

One thing is for sure, obtaining Matt was a shrewd move, and securing the Jamaican’s services may prove the difference in luring third-tier football to this quaint, sleepy corner of Gloucestershire.

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