Rob Edwards’ Forest Green Rovers side travel to Victoria Park on Saturday, as they look to extend their lead at the top of the league two table against Hartlepool United.
The Nailsworth-based outfit have clocked up the miles over the past month, having played their last three matches away from home ahead of the 250-mile trip to Hartlepool this weekend.
Rovers have had an extended break since their 2-0 victory over Walsall in the Papa John’s Trophy, after their fixture against Colchester United on Saturday was postponed due to international call-ups.
Rovers’ head coach spoke ahead of the tie, stating: “The training week has been very good so far, we’re looking forward to the game.
The 38-year-old revealed his side would be taking a trip to Barnsley’s training ground to break up the journey, with his players set to train in Yorkshire on Friday ahead of the game.
Jamille Matt is back in the Rovers squad following his absence due to injury, as Edwards explained: “Jamille has had a fantastic week and is raring to go.”
While there was good news on Matt, Ebou Adams is a slight doubt for Rovers after he felt some tightness on international duty for Gambia. Elliott Whitehouse remains on the sidelines, having yet to appear this season.
Despite falling to a late defeat against Newport County last Friday, Hartlepool United have established Victoria Park as a fortress this season. The hosts currently hold the best home record in the league – winning six of their eight home fixtures this season.
Tony Sweeney’s side claimed an impressive 1-0 victory against League One side Wycombe Wanders in the FA Cup on Tuesday, as they progressed to the second round of the competition at Adams Park.
“They’ll be full of confidence”, Edwards stated. “They did fantastic to come through against Wycombe and their home form is very good this season.
“We know that we’re in for a difficult afternoon. We’re coming into a game against a team who are confident and want to stop us.”
The hosts will be without first team coach Clint Hill after it was announced that he had left the club this morning.
Following the news of Hill’s departure, interim manager Tony Sweeny spoke to the club website, stating: “Clint has been nothing but brilliant since joining the club.”
Hill joined the club following his departure from Bristol Rovers in August, having previously acted as assistant manager to Joey Barton during his stint at the Memorial Stadium.