FOREST Green Rovers make it clear tonight at Colchester United with five points clear at the top of League Two.
But Rovers head to JobServe Community Stadium on the back of a seven-game non-profit.
Stroud Times Sports writer Ashley Loveridge gives us the low on the U high-flying opponents, ahead of today’s game in front of the cameras.
On Forest Green’s Super Season and League Two Title Push:
“The players embody the manager and the manager embodies the players.
“They have a cup half full mantra and I think that’s what they bring across the line.
“They did not play badly, but it’s a bit of a blip.
“I think a lot of teams have probably spoken out a bit now.
“Without sounding loud, they are very one-dimensional.
“There is no criticism because how can you criticize a team that has been at the top of the league since September?
“But they are seven non-profit and Jamille Matt is ten players without a goal, so that was a big issue but he still played very well.
“The other half of ‘Matt Attack’ – Matty Stevens – still scores goals for fun, but it’s dry for Jamille.
“They have 43 goals between them this season.
“Forest Green are 22nd in the form table at the moment – only Scunny and Stevenage have collected fewer points in the last six games.”
Rise – Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards has taken his side to the top of League Two Image: PA
About Manager Rob Edwards:
“Manager Rob Edwards was honest enough after the Leyton Orient game last Tuesday that it was the first time he had seen a bit of nervousness about them.
“I thought it was very kind and open and honest to come out in the media and say that they look very nervous.
“But he never beat them and he admitted he would make mistakes in the next ten games.
“He fully supports his players, which is really refreshing.
“He also said that psychology will come into it and I think they have the best man for the job – he likes to put an arm around the players, rather than a rocket.
“I think Rob Edwards has a really bright future.
“He was educated under Gareth Southgate and he’s a real guy.”
About Ben Stevenson:
“I was really impressed by Ben.
“He really pulls the team together and makes them tick.
“His passing ability is second to none and he doesn’t seem to be giving the ball away.”
In the game in front of the TV cameras:
“Forest Green have choked twice in front of the TV cameras this season – in St Albans at the FA Cup and at home against Swindon Town.
“I saw a state the other day that they only won five of 22 live games where they were – that goes back to the Ady Pennock era.”
On a game for Ukraine:
“It has been received very positively and it is a very clever move on the part of Colchester’s part to get some bums on seats, in my opinion.
“Forest Green fans have really and increasingly traveled this season.”
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