Hockaday urges fans to snub Old Trafford for the New Lawn (From Stroud News and Journal)

Boss calls for fans to watch Forest Green instead of Man Utd and Real Madrid

4:49pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport By SNJ Sport

JOSE Mourinho insists the whole world will stop to watch Manchester United take on Real Madrid tonight, Tuesday, but Forest Green boss David Hockaday is urging fans to rock up at the New Lawn instead. 

FA Trophy finalists Grimsby Town visit  Forest Green look to narrow the gap between themselves and the play- off positions (7.45pm).

A goalless draw at Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium on Saturday put a stop to two previous consecutive defeats but having failed to find the net in their last three outings, Rovers will be eager to end that frustration.

The Mariners, who face Wrexham at Wembley in late March in the final of the FA Trophy, travel to Nailsworth just one place above Rovers but with three games in hand and a four point advantage.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's side are contenders for the title and have benefitted from an extra rest day after their Friday night game against Macclesfield was postponed after a crash on the M62.

Hockaday said:"The crowd have been brilliant of late. They are getting better and better. We are getting use to crowds of four figures so get yourself down on Tuesday."

"Grimsby have the meanest defence away from home. It will be a tough game, it will be a tight game, and we are really looking forward to it because at the moment we are in uncharted territory."

Kieron Forbes made a welcoming return to the starting line-up at the weekend and despite being replaced at half time as he works back to full fitness, he is expected to be available again on Tuesday.

Aarran Racine also returned after a spell out injured and could very well retain his central defensive slot after impressively keeping lengthy striker Tom Elliott quiet at the weekend. Reece Styche and Stephen Brogan are definite absentees, but there could be a return for Al Bangura after his five match suspension came to an end. Dale Bennett is still expected to miss out with an injury, as will Jamie Collins.