Owers: This is the big one (From Stroud News and Journal)

Owers: This is the big one

NOTHING more than victory will satisfy Forest Green boss Gary Owers when basement side Southport visit The Lawn on Saturday (3pm).

Owers will certainly be asking his side to step up to the plate.

He said: "Southport is the really big one for us."

A somewhat dour 0-0 draw against Kidderminster Harriers last Saturday left Owers a far happier after-match figure.

"It was important that we didn't get beaten, it's an extra point in our quest for safety," said Owers.

In truth, Rovers did enough to win the game by a mile, Abdou Sall will be ruing two gilt-edged chances and Zema Abbey was equally culpable. Guy Madjo was again strangely out of sorts, but could count himself unlucky when hitting the bar. Meanwhile, Barry McConnell capped a quiet performance by spurning two late opportunities.

Earlier, Owers handed a debut to defender Michael Taylor, who has joined on a month's loan from Cheltenham Town. Darren Jones was given a place on the bench following his recent release from prison.However, Julian Alsop had failed to shake off his ankle injury and had to be contented with a spot on the bench.

Plaudits

The much maligned Ryan Clarke drew the plaudits from Owers after his splendid double-save from a contentious 53rd minute penalty.

Owers added: "Ryan Clarke was the reason we got a point. He was being criticised a lot a few weeks ago but he's been superb for us in the last two home games.

"It was a penalty save he shouldn't have had to make because it was an awful decision. I was pleased with Michael Taylor who made a big difference in the back five."