SHORTWOOD captain Andy Hoskins has issued a rallying call to Forest Green fans to come out and support the Nailsworth side, who make the short trip to face Gloucester City this Sunday at the New Lawn in the FA Cup second qualifying round (2pm).

"Gloucester are a great club and will have massive support so it would be brilliant if the Forest Green fans join forces with us for the day and get behind the team," said Hoskins, a former Gloucester and Forest Green striker.

The former Tigers legend added : "A large part of our squad have played for Forest Green at youth level or above, so I hope Rovers fans will come and shout for us."

Shortwood have already conjured their own slice of FA Cup drama after John Evans' side pulled off the shock of the round with an emphatic 3-0 victory at Southern Premier Division Tiverton Town. A brace from in-form striker James Singh and a Hoskins header sealed United's passage.

Gloucester currently play their home games at Forest Green after suffering from the summer floods,but Hoskins is hoping the tie will feel like a home game for his side.

He said: "It we be like a home game for us and anything can happen in the FA Cup.

"We proved that against Tiverton and it will be tough against Gloucester, but we will certainly give it our best shot."

Hoskins feels United's team-spirit has been crucial in his side's cup run despite losing star striker Chris Davis to Forest Green at the end of last season.

"Losing Chris to Forest Green was a blow, but James Singh has stepped up to the plate with 10 goals already. Mike Green, Ashley Thomas, John Cant and Jon Embling from Slimbridge have strengthened us as well."

Shortwood will include former City defender Will Steadman in their squad and will boast another ex-Tiger in assistant manager Mark Sumpter.

The Hellenic Premier side are without striker Ryan Preddy (ankle) and midfielder Chris Greenough (knee). Meanwhile, left-back Jon Embling is a doubt, but Slimbridge's James Cole could come in if Embling fails to make the squad.

Shortwood manager John Evans, a former City player expects a tough test after City shocked Yate Town in the previous round with Jack Pitcher scoring all of their goals in a 5-1 thrashing. Evans will also come up against old friend Tim Harris, the current City and former Forest Green manager.

He said:"I expect Gloucester to be stronger than Tiverton, their result at Yate on Saturday proved that. It will be nice to come up against City boss Tim Harris as I played with Tim at City and Cheltenham."

Shortwood probable: M.Pearce, P.Smith, J.Embling, B.Mammola, A.Thomas, M.Green, J. Cant, J.Singh, A.Hoskins (capt), B. Pugh, O.Roberts, R. Evans, W.Steadman, J.Coates, J.Cole, G Cornwall, L Kavanagh.