City boss Danny Cowley admitted that his side enjoy playing Forest Green Rovers as the Imps travel to The New Lawn on Tuesday evening.
The Nailsworth club were promoted through the National League play-offs last season after City pipped them to the title. “We had a good rivalry last year, and we had two good games against them and came out the right side of both games which probably had a strong outcome on us winning the league.” Cowley said.
It’s been a difficult start to life in the EFL for Mark Cooper’s side who are sat 22nd in the league, but Cowley believes that the side will still pose plenty of challenges.
“FGR are a good team who have a difficult start to life in League Two. People keep asking me about the difference in levels but if you look at Grimsby and Cheltenham last year who had their challenges last year, as have us and FGR so far. It jus shows you the difference in levels from the National League to League Two.” Cowley added.
“We have had a good look at them. Offensively, they play with a real freedom and they create a lot of chances. I don’t think there’s many League Two sides who have created as many chances as them so we’ll have to be really organised.”
Although Cooper’s men haven’t changed their approach too much since making their bow in the EFL, the Imps boss is expecting them to mix it up at some point.
“They’ve made some changes to personnel over recent games, but they are trying to play open and expansive still. They’ve got good motivation and movement in midfield. They ask a lot of questions when you don’t have the ball.” He said.
“They’re probably disappointed with results in recent games, and the manager’s said they probably need to be a bit more direct, so we’re not quite sure how they’ll play and what personnel they’ll go for. For us, it’s about being aware of all their players. We’ve certainly got a lot respect for Forest Green and Mark Cooper.”
City travel without Matt Green is suspended following Saturday’s red card at Stevenage.
“We’ll miss Matt he’s been a pivotal player for us so far. He’s obviously disappointed in himself, but it’s pleasing that the boys dug him out of a hole. I have no doubt Matt will also dig us out of many holes this season.” Cowley said.
