FOREST Green Rovers make the trip to play Colchester United this evening sitting five points clear at the top of League Two.

But Rovers head to the JobServe Community Stadium on the back of a seven-match winless run.

Stroud Times sports writer Ashley Loveridge gives us the lowdown on the U's high-flying opponents, ahead of tonight's game in front of the cameras.

On Forest Green's superb season and League Two title push:

"The players embody the manager and the manager embodies the players.

"They have a cup half full mantra and I think that's what will get them over the line.

"They haven't been playing badly but it is a bit of a blip.

"I think a lot of teams now have probably sussed them out a little bit.

Gazette:

"Without wanting to sound harsh, they're quite one dimensional.

"It's not a criticism because how you can criticise a team that's been top of the league since September?

"But they're winless in seven and Jamille Matt is ten games without a goal, so that's been a big issue but he's still been playing quite well.

"The other half of the 'Matt Attack' - Matty Stevens - is still scoring goals for fun but it's dried up for Jamille.

"They've got 43 goals between them this season.

"Forest Green are 22nd in the form table at the moment - only Scunny and Stevenage have accumulated fewer points in the last six games."

Gazette:

Rise - Forest Green Rovers manager Rob Edwards has led his side to the top of League Two Picture: PA

On manager Rob Edwards:

"The manager Rob Edwards was honest enough after the Leyton Orient game last Tuesday that it was the first time he's seen a bit of nervousness about them.

"I thought that was quite brave and open and honest to come out in the media and say that they looked quite nervous.

"But he's never lambasted them and he's admitted that he will make mistakes, in the next ten games.

"He completely backs his players, which is really refreshing.

"He's also said psychology will come into it to and I think they've got the best man for the job - he likes to put an arm round the players, rather than a rocket.

"I think Rob Edwards has got a really bright future.

"He's schooled under Gareth Southgate and he's a genuine guy."

Gazette:

On Ben Stevenson:

"I've been really impressed by Ben.

"He really knits the team together and makes them tick.

"His passing ability is second to none and he doesn't seem to give the ball away."

On playing in front of the TV cameras:

"Forest Green have choked twice this season in front of the TV cameras - at St Albans in the FA Cup and at home against Swindon Town.

"I saw a stat the other day that they've only won five out of 22 live games they've been in - that goes back to the Ady Pennock era."

On a Game for Ukraine:

"It's been received very positively and it's a very smart move on Colchester's part to get some bums on seats, in my opinion.

"The Forest Green fans have travelled in really increasing numbers, this season."