Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale says a full contingent of away supporters will help his side when they travel to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday looking to book their place in The Emirates FA Cup third round.
The Grecians last made it to that stage of the competition two seasons ago when they drew 2-2 with Liverpool at St James Park. And having already played Forest Green Rovers this season, when more than 800 visiting supporters cheered the Grecians to victory in rainy conditions at the New Lawn, Tis is expecting another cracking atmosphere on Saturday.
“The players really enjoy going away from home with a good following,” said Tis. “We have had that for years and it is nice to be a team that doesn’t just have good home support and then go away and not have that support.
“We have it both home and away and that is great. The Forest Green game is accessible enough that we are taking the full contingent.
“We had a really, really good following there in September. There was a thunderstorm and they stood on the terrace and we gave them plenty to cheer about. We played very well that day. We get a good following and there is a real positive energy to that and the FA Cup brings out something different.
“You can’t quite quantify it but it does bring out something different in a football match, especially in December when the lights are on before half-time. It does create an atmosphere so we have plenty to look forward to.”
Tis does have one fresh injury concern as defender Troy Brown has been ruled out of the match having picked up a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Accrington last weekend. The extent of his injury is not yet known at this stage, but the manager confirmed that he will be out for a significant amount of time. However, Troy Archibald-Henville and Jordan Storey both offer able replacements for Tis.
“Troy Archibald-Henville did really well when he came onto the pitch on Saturday,” said Tis. “And Jordan Storey is doing particularly well also – he is making good progress. It is not ideal having players out but that is what we have got a squad for and we have got some good players and players will get their chance.
“We have also got one or two players who have recovered from injury and will be in contention.
“Ryan Harley did really well on Tuesday (against Chelsea under-21s) for 45 minutes and he is back into the fray and Jordan Tillson and Robbie Simpson are both back in full training this week.”