Hockaday urges fans to back dragon slayers

Forest Green boss David Hockaday saluted last-minute goal-keeping hero Russell and praised his whole team, after their swashbuckling and whole-hearted effort in defeating league-leaders Wrexham last night.

Hockaday said: "I think we’ve got an exceptional keeper in Sam and this why I went out and got him. As the season rolls on people will see how good he is.

"I am delighted with the players (performance) and delighted for the players - we want to make everyone proud of Forest Green Rovers."

Hockaday was disappointed with the build up to Wrexham’s last gasp opportunity to steal a point.

He added: "I thought the ball was still rolling.They’ve taken the free-kick and the ball is clearly rolling, so that’s not how it should be and whether it’s a penalty or not, I don’t know, but Sam’s saved the day."

Hockaday is now urging more fans to watch his entertaining outfit take on new league leaders Fleetwood Town, who visit the New Lawn on Saturday on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run.

"This will be a really tough one against a team who have got an excellent away record. It will be tougher than Wrexham.

"We need more people to come and hopefully see some good football, because Fleetwood are a great footballing team and anybody who saw the Wrexham game last night must have enjoyed it. It was a rip-roaring end-to-end game and I think we just about deserved it."