Forest Green midfielder Kyle McAllister has admitted that Forest Green are likely to go ‘long ball’ against Bradford City tonight over concerns with the Bantam’s pitch.
The playing surface has come under significant scrutiny in recent weeks as the frequency of downpours matched with a delay in contractor work last summer.
Forest Green travel to Yorkshire having won three in their last six league outings but are likely to play the pitch rather than much football on the deck.
“It’s going to be heavy on the legs,” said McAllister. “It’s not going to be the same as any other game we’ve played because of the pitch.”
Their playoff position last campaign meant that the growing time of the grass was reduced because of the delay to the work being carried out.
The sprinkler system beneath the pitch was also damaged while the summer work was being carried out.
After a thrilling second-half display against Walsall showed off their counter-attacking ability, Rovers are likely to have a more physical game tonight.
Whilst Bradford can ill afford another postponement, rain has been forecast in the area for much of today.
“I saw it last week and it was just mud. It’ll be completely different in terms of the game.
“It’ll probably be more a case of whoever wins the most seconds will probably win the game,” added McAllister.
Bradford go into the game in good form having not lost in the league since January 27.
A convincing 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday thanks to three first-half goals gave the Bantams more encouragement that they could sneak into the League Two playoff spots.
They’re now only five points behind Gillingham in seventh, but Forest Green have had an upturn in performances themselves since manager Steve Cotterill came in.
Cotterill has been fluid in his formations and often good at keeping his opponents guessing.
This game, however, could be a case of battling as hard as possible in order to come out on top on a sodden Bradford surface.
McAllister continued: “I don’t think you can play on pitches like that as long as you don’t have space – and I doubt we’ll have that. It’s going to be man-for-man and play-off seconds and that’s the biggest thing about Tuesday’s game.
“On a normal Saturday, it’s all about seconds so this is going to be massive.”
There has been no suggestion of a pitch inspection for this evening’s clash, we will keep you updated here on Park Life Sport if there are any updates.
