Forest Green Rovers boss Alan Lewer has said that if his side is to escape the drop then they need to take three points tomorrow evening when Hereford United visit the Lawn in a potentially crucial game for both sides. Both sides will be desperate to collect maximum points for much different reasons with the Bulls needing three points to help cement their place in the play offs, whereas Rovers need three points to aid their survival in the Nationwide Conference.
Lewer told BBC Radio Gloucestershire, "I'm not saying we can get out of the relegation zone, I'm saying I think we will - I know the spirit in my squad. We've got three games to go and I think we need two wins out that. If we can get one against Hereford on Tuesday night and other teams around us get beaten, it really throws us into the melting pot."
Forest Green are currently three points adrift of Canvey Island in nineteenth place, so a win will put them level with the Gulls, although they will need to win by a massive margin to overtake them, due to the Gull's far superior goal difference. A win for United will put them into second place, although Carlisle will have one game in hand to make up the potential three point gap.
Forest Green, who will be full of confidence following their suprise win at Brunton Park against Carlisle on the weekend, have Justin Richardson in the "doubtful" category, along with loanee Lewis Haldane and Hugh McAuley and Scott Rogers. Darren Davis is banned for the encounter and Stuart Roberts and Richie Appleby are both unlikely to featue due to a lack of match fitness.
Hereford will have to replace Darryl Taylor who suffered a knee injury against York on Saturday and is definately ruled out for tomorrows game. Danny Williams is the most likely replacement. Tom Smith has missed the last few games with illness, which he has now recovered from, but could find it hard to make the bench once again. (Uncomfirmed rumours suggest he has left Edgar Street). Tony James is still out with his ankle injury also, and so Jamie Pitman should continue as stand in skipper.
Graham Turner will face a selection headache in the attacking department with Danny Carey-Bertram returning, having completed a three match ban. Lee Mills has impressed in recent games, in which he's stepped in to cover for the suspended Leroy Williams and Carey-Bertram, but was replaced having received a knock on Saturday. Carey-Bertram was on form before his dismissal against Northwich and L Williams impressed as a sub against York. Adam Stansfield is the only striker who is, pretty much, guaranteed a starting place.
A huge away following is expected at The Lawn from the in-form Hereford side, who will be expecting nothing less than a victory, even if it is a closely contested tie. Turner said: "It was a tremendous win for them (FGR) on Saturday. They are the nearest we get to a local derby and with what's at stake for both teams, it's obvious what sort of game it will be."