Forest Green Rovers v Crawley Town preview: Strikers need to be on fire if Reds are to get anything

The Reds have failed to win there since Rovers’ promotion to the football league and have struggled against Mark Cooper’s men.

They’ll be in for a tough task this time round as well, with Forest Green currently occupying 2nd place in League Two and in a good patch of form. It’s been eight league games since their last defeat, which was at home to Mansfield back in November.

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That defeat was one of only three this season, with the other two coming against Colchester and Cheltenham.

They’ve shown they’re a tough side to beat and could end the day on top of League Two depending on results elsewhere. It’s been a positive year on the pitch for Forest Green and their summer business has allowed them to put in a big push for promotion this season. One of these key signings was top scorer Jamile Matt who has nine league goals so far and has been a big threat up front this season. Matt has been around League Two for a long time and his experience is key to the Forest Green side and he’s been getting the goals to prove it.

However, Crawley will be no push over for Forest Green and come into the game unbeaten in their last six league games. They collected an impressive point from league leaders Newport on Saturday and played the final 30 minutes of the game with 10 men due to Tarryn Allarakhia’s red card. It’s been an impressive few weeks for Crawley who are starting to look like they can create a serious push for the play-offs and are keeping themselves within touching distance of the top seven.

They’ll need the strikers on fire, as they have been for most of this season, against Forest Green as they pose the second best defence in League Two.

Rovers have conceded just 16 league goals this season and have a mean back line that look very comfortable. Max Watters was subbed off at half time for Crawley on Saturday through injury and may not be available and if not the Reds will have to find another resource of goals. Nadesan and Nichols are the most likely scorers with the two constantly playing well but not getting as many goals as they deserve.

It’ll be a tough test for Crawley who will be looking to end the year strongly and put an end to what has been a horrid year around the World.