Dave Hockaday

Ebbsfleet United v Forest Green

Forest Green Rovers boss Dave Hockaday is confident that his charges can overcome Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Rovers lost one of their star performers this week after Andy Mangan moved to Wrexham, but Hockaday believes that his side will cope just fine without him.

"Andy was never really available for selection, so from that respect I've not lost anything, but I'm well aware of his influence on and off the pitch when he was here," Hockaday told the Gloucestershire Echo.

"He was a bubbly, confident lad and his goals record speaks for itself, so it would have been like signing a new player.

"It was his decision to leave, not mine, although I would stress that a big part of him still has a lot of affection for Forest Green.

"In the end the personal and professional case for going to Wrexham was too strong, and I respect that and wish him well."

The Rovers boss will be without Lee Ayres (groin) and Mike Fowler (ankle), but Curtis McDonald (knee) could return to action.

Ebbsfleet United boss Liam Daish is likely to hand Moses Ashikodi his second home appearance in five days as he looks to grab all three points.

The Harriers will be hoping for a strong start to the second part of the season as they look to make the play-offs and Daish believes his side will thrive under the pressure.

"The question is how will they react to pressure?," he told the BBC. "We have a squad full of young players and there seems to be a lack of fear.

"I've told them to brave, bold and not to look back because all that matters is the future."