Goalkeeper Jamie Searle says Forest Green Rovers can build on a successful group stage ahead of our Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash with Oxford United. 

Rovers topped their Trophy group unbeaten after defeating Shrewsbury Town, Walsall via penalties, before being held to a goalless draw against Brighton Under 21s. 

“We worked hard for each other, worked well as a team to ultimately win one game and draw two,” Searle said. 

“After a successful group stage, we are excited about the challenge ahead. We want to go as far as possible in this competition. 

“As a team, we can take positives from the groups, but in the knockout stages, we have to build on it.” 

As reward for topping the group, Rovers were handed a home tie at The New Lawn and were drawn to face League One side, Oxford United. 

But despite the tough task that awaits Rovers, Searle believes that home advantage will boost his sides chance of grabbing a positive result. 

“It’s going to be a tough game going up against a League One opposition who are flying quite high," said the New Zealand shot-stopper.

“We’ve got our fans behind us. As long as we have them and their backing tomorrow, we can put a result together because we know what we can do at home."

Searle himself has been one of the standout performers of the whole competition so far with his penalty heroics against both Shrewsbury and Walsall. 

The Kiwi 'keeper has saved four penalties in the competition so far; two in normal time against Shrewsbury and Walsall, and two in the shootout victory against the Saddlers

“Ultimately, it’s not just about me. With the clean sheets, there are ten other boys in front of me working. 

“Those are bonuses [penalty saves] and a thing that I have worked towards but clean sheets as a goalkeeper are as good as it gets,” he said.