Owers hoping for festive cheer (From Stroud News and Journal)

Owers hoping for festive cheer

FOREST GREEN boss Gary Owers is too old to believe in Father Christmas, but if he had one wish to send to Santa it would surely be a request for six festive points as he takes his rejuvenated side into a busy Conference schedule of three games in eight days.

Buoyed by back-to-back 1-0 victories over Burton Albion and last Saturday's FA Trophy victory at Weymouth, Owers is pin-pointing more of the same against Hereford United and Aldershot Town who come to The Lawn over the festive period.

"The Christmas period will be difficult, but recent results have given everyone a lift," said Owers.

"We will keep going and compete. There is not an easy game in this league."

Graham Turner brings his Hereford side to Nailsworth on Boxing Day (3pm) followed by the New Year's Eve home tussle against Aldershot Town (3pm) the following Saturday Rovers then open 2006 with a trip to Hereford on January 2.

Striker Zema Abbey, who picked up a hamstring injury at Weymouth is set to be sidelined for a month. Meanwhile, Guy Madjo is available following his three-game suspension and Scott Rendell will challenge for a starting place alongside Julian Alsop.

Scott Rogers has been recalled from his loan spell at Weston-super-Mare.