Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards insists coming up against a well-rested Rochdale makes no difference to his preparations for Tuesday’s game at The New Lawn.
The side from Greater Manchester had their scheduled fixture against Carlisle United called off at the weekend due to a waterlogged pitch, and travel to Gloucestershire off the back of just four previous games in 2022, while Forest Green have already played eight.
Edwards’ side collected another three-point haul on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Newport County, and he said Rochdale’s extra rest won’t affect their momentum.
He said: “It’s not a concern, it is what it is. We just have to deal with the cards we’ve been dealt, the lads are used to playing Saturday, Tuesday, so it’s nothing new for us.
“You could argue that they’ll be a bit fresher but then they have to travel down as well.
“Over the course of the season these things even themselves out. The lads are resilient and they’re looking forward to the game.”
Rovers’ excellent form is embellished by the fact that they have something close to a clean bill of health at the moment.
Edwards said: “The squad is ok. It’s a tough schedule but it’s tough for everyone. Regan Hendry felt a slight issue in his knee on Friday. He was outside today but won’t be ready for tomorrow.
“Other than that, everyone is fine which is really good.
“Nicky Cadden missed Port Vale because of his foot but he came through fine and he’ll be available for tomorrow.”
Frontman Matty Stevens bagged two more goals against The Exiles, making the fact that neither he or fellow prolific goalscorer Jamille Matt left the club in the January transfer window even more notable.
However, Edwards says he was never worried by that prospect. He said: “From our perspective, it was business as usual. I don’t think there was much interest in those two players.”
Tuesday is Forest Green’s sixth home game of the calendar year already, and Edwards appreciates the support of the fans.
He said: “We’re going to need the fans for the rest of the season. They’ve been brilliant so far and long may that continue.
The Nailsworth club are 10 points clear at the top of League Two and could move one game closer to promotion by extending their league unbeaten run to 18 against Rochdale.
