Forest Green boss wants side to show desire against AFC Telford

Forest Green Rovers boss Dave Hockaday has challenged his side to show the same desire at AFC Telford United that they do against the Blue Square Bet Premier big guns.

The Gloucestershire side have beaten second-placed Wrexham 1-0 and only lost 2-1 to leaders Fleetwood when conceding a last-minute goal.

But former Shrewsbury defender Hockaday insists those performances must be replicated against the division's perceived lesser lights.

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"Telford are scrapping for their lives as they want to stay in this league, so it will be a really tough game," he said.

"We've managed to get ourselves up for games against Fleetwood and Wrexham.

"Now we need to make sure we get ourselves up not only for Telford, but for every game between now and the end of the season.

"Last week showed us the standards we have set, that we are now unhappy to be losing to one of the top sides in the league. We have to take that mentality to Telford."

Hockaday has also urged his players not to take victory for granted against a Telford side six places and 14 points behind them in the league table.

The Forest Green chief expects the Bucks to stay up and believes Andy Sinton's team have not got the points they deserve.

"They are a good side and they are perhaps in a bit of a false position," added Hockaday.

"They'll be organised and will be scrapping for every single point for the rest of the season."

Hockaday has a doubt over goalkeeper Sam Russell, who went off injured in the defeat to Fleetwood – though he will be given every possible chance to prove his fitness.

There could also be a debut for new signing Jamie Collins, who has joined on an 18-month contract from Aldershot.

Collins, 27, can play at left-back or centre-half as well as in midfield.

"He's a big, strong lad who can boss the midfield and is the type of player that sets a standard that others will follow," said Hockaday.

See also:

• Dropped Shane Killock in pledge to get AFC Telford recall

• Two in and three out for busy AFC Telford United