Manager updates ahead of Forest Green game

First team manager Neil Cox has updated on team news ahead of his side's League Two home game against league leaders Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

This weekend sees his side try to bounce back from the match at Harrogate Town last weekend, and Cox said: "Obviously we had the result on Saturday which was really disappointing for the football club and supporters, to whom we apologise.

"We've sat down and spoken to the players with honesty, and looked at our mistakes from the game when we all came back in, and we've put that to bed. We're expecting a much better performance at home this Saturday.

"We've got a busy week coming up, starting with the top of the league team at home, and my players have to stand up and be counted. We have to look each other in the eye and make sure we're giving 110 per cent. If we can get the result, then the fans will be happier that we're having a right good go for the shirt."

The boss provided updates on defender Manny Onariase, and midfielders Harry Bunn, Alex Perry and Alex Kenyon.

He added: "There will be some changes, but as we speak we have a couple of training sessions left before the game and we'll see who's fit and available, and go from there.

"Manny is back on the grass training this morning. He had a tight hamstring after the Rotherham game, and we couldn't afford to make it worse by playing him last week.

"Bunny is back on the training ground, after a really bad tackle at Newport which resulted in bad bruising. It was an off the ball incident and he took it just above the knee. We couldn't take the risk of playing him and then him being ruled out for much longer.

"Hopefully they'll both get through it well. Saturday might be a bit too early for Bunny, who I'd anticipate will be back next week, but hopefully Manny gets through and trains well.

"Alex Perry had a tight groin and felt it striking the ball in the warm-up last week, so that was a precaution. We'll see if he can get through training today but if not he'll have a running session.

"Alex Kenyon (thigh) has been a big miss, and he's our leader in midfield. We need him fit to come back in and play the rest of the season, rather than be in for two or three games and then be out again, so it's a matter of doing more fitness and strength work in his quad."

See much more from Neil Cox and George Taft on iFollow Iron.