Preview: Donny v Forest

Over 3,000 Reds fans will make the short trip up the A1, for the sellout game with Doncaster Rovers. This is a game that is a genuine 6 pointer and could well decide our automatic promotion hopes. Anything less than victory and we can kiss any hope of 2nd spot goodbye.

Rovers take on Forest on the back of a 1-1 draw with Oldham at the weekend, following on from 2 successive defeats. They sit 6 points ahead of us, but we do have a game in hand. Manager Sean O'Driscoll has them in fine form this season and are deserving of their top 3 placing. With a strikeforce of Heffernan and Hayter, our defence will have to be on top of their game. Defending has not been the problem for us this lately, but scoring has.

Donny also have one Gareth Taylor in their ranks now, after securing his signature in the January transfer window. He's so far made 6 appearances, all from the bench. Unsurprisingly he's yet to score. Please God, he doesn't make the squad for this one.

Famous people from Doncaster:

Kevin Keegan, Ian Botham and WWII flying ace Sir Douglas Bader all hail, from sunny Donny. Jeremy Clarkson can also lay claim to being born there, as can TV chef Ainsley Harriet and star of stage and screen Brian Blessed. The hit TV comedy Open All Hours was also filmed there, but contrary to local claims. Robin Hood most definitely did not come from the area! Every man and his dog knows he's from God's own Nottingham.

Clutching to a big handful of straws, Forest manager Colin Calderwood said of his sides chances of gaining automatic promotion. 'The next two might be the games that make the difference. Actually, they have to be the games that make the difference. Otherwise it might become beyond us.' Keep holding on to those straws Colin.

Defender Gordon Greer is out with a hip injury and James Hayter looks set to miss the game with a hernia. Updates to follow.

The midfielder has scored 4 times for Rovers this term. He's a grafter and can score from distance.

Forest will be once again be without Davies and Perch, but have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game. Captain Ian Breckin could earn a recall, if CC goes with his now favoured 3-5-2/5-3-2 away formation.

Scored 2 in 5 since his arrival from Preston on loan. He's missed a few sitters, but his work rate can't be faulted. This is a game where we need him and Tyson to put away the chances.

The first meeting between the two sides was way back in 1935. Since then they have met 23 times in the League. Forest have won 13, drawn 6 and lost 4. Earlier this season we fought for a 0-0 draw at the City Ground. Last season, we lost both games 1-0.

1-1. Kiss goodbye to automatic promotion.

FL1. Carlisle (a). Tues, April 1. KO. 7.45pm.

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