TRANMERE Rovers face top-of-the-table Forest Green in what promises to be a tough National League clash this weekend.

Manager Gary Brabin knows Saturday's match at The New Lawn Stadium will be difficult, but it is one that he and his players are relishing.

Rovers were beaten 1-0 by Barrow at Prenton Park on Tuesday night. Last weekend Eastleigh beat Brabin's squad 2-1, bringing a nine-game unbeaten run to an end.

The Green's home record is impressive, having won six, drawn one and lost just once on home turf in the league so far this season.

Looking forward to the game, Brabin said: "Forest Green are going to be a tough side. It's going to be a tough game for us. They're looking to get back into form as we are.

"It's a good test for us, we have seemed to have done better against the sides who are a bit more outgoing against us so we're looking forward to a good game.

"It's a big game and one I'm sure the lads won't need winding up for."

Defender Liam Hogan says that the fixture away at league leaders Forest Green Rovers could be just what they need after a couple of bad results.

Hogan said: "Tuesday wasn't good enough, and we know that, but there's no better game we can go into on Saturday against the current best team in the league.

"The lads will be up for it. We were on a nice little run before that so it's important that we get back on that run and starting picking up some more points.

"It's important that we play at the right tempo and put to bed what's happened in the last two matches.

"All the players here want to get us out of this league and if we're not 100%, we know the manager will make changes to the team.

"I know the 11 lads who have the shirts want to keep them so it's important that we go out and perform to the best of our ability starting on Saturday.

"It's against the one of the league's best teams and we want to show that we can go and beat them."

Meet the opponents - Forest Green Rovers

Nickname: Rovers, The Green

Colours: Green and black shirts, green shorts, green and black socks

Ground: The New Lawn Stadium

Distance from Prenton Park: 166 miles

Position last season: Fifth

‘The little club on the hill’ are the longest serving members of the Conference Premier (now National League). Reached the play-off semi-finals last season.