Time for some FA Trophy Fourth Round action at The New Lawn as Forest Green Rovers welcome National League North side Chorley.

Saturday’s clash marks just the third match between Rovers and the Magpies with our last meetings coming back in 2013 - again in the FA Trophy.

The two ties during that FA Trophy campaign saw very little action as a goalless draw at Victory Park set up a replay back at The New Lawn which also ended goalless with the Magpies advancing on penalties.

Ahead of their trip to Nailsworth, here is everything Rovers fans need to know about our opponents.

OPPOSITION - CHORLEY FC

The Magpies have already faced two opposition to reach this stage of the competition defeating Marine 3-1 in the second round and Warrington Rylands 3-2 in the third round, both at home.

In last season’s Trophy campaign, they reached the Fifth Round for the first time since 1996 after wins over Scarborough Athletic, Blyth Spartans and Hythe Town before being defeated by Solihull Moors.

It’s been a positive first half of the season for Chorley who currently occupy eighth in the National League North, outside the play-offs on goal difference, but have only picked up two wins in their last five league games.

IN THE DUGOUT - ANDY PREECE

Andy Preece took charge of the Magpies in May 2022 and has since taken the side on a steady rise up the National League North.

In his first season as manager during the 22/23 season, Preece guided the Magpies to a 12th place finish before seeing his side to 4th last season.

The 57-year-old managed in 1,000th game in late November boasting an experienced CV with clubs such as, Worcester City, Airbus UK Broughton, Northwich Victoria, Southport and Bury.

PLAYER TO WATCH - ADAM BLAKEMAN

An experience left-back who has been the Magpies source of productivity this season, Adam Blakeman has tallied up seven assists in 17 games.

The 33-year-old recorded an impressive three assists during his side's 4-1 win over Southport earlier on this season.

This is Blakeman’s second spell with the club with his first starting in 2016 before moving to Spennymoor Town in 2020.

He spent just one season at Spennymoor before returning to Victory Park in 2021 and has made almost 300 appearances for the club.

MAGPIES’ FORM

21.12.24 – Chorley 2-1 Rushall Olympic

14.12.24 – Hereford 1-0 Chorley

07.12.24 – Chorley 3-2 Warrington Rylands (FA Trophy Third Round)

30.11.24 – Chorley 0-3 Curzon Ashton

26.11.24 – Farsley Celtic 0-1 Chorley