Jim Smith believes Oxford United are now better equipped to win home matches - because they've learnt how to attack the open west end at the Kassam Stadium with as much venom as the packed Oxford Mail Stand.

The U's drew seven of their first 15 home games in the Conference this season, which contributed greatly to them falling behind leaders Dagenham & Redbridge.

Part of the reason was that they often only gave "half a performance", with the zip in their play only arriving when they attacked towards the home fans.

However, a feature of the last two home matches has been that they have looked just as good going towards the car park end, and the consequent victories over Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough have been priceless in their bid to overhaul the Daggers at the top.

With today's visitors Forest Green Rovers expected to be hard to break down, it's vital that Oxford play with the same spark in both halves.

Smith said: "The confidence is pretty high, you can see it in training, and especially at home now.

"The beginning of the season was probably the reverse - we had more confidence away than at home. But the performances at home have been good and obviously the lads have grown in confidence.

"It's the first time all season we have actually attacked the bottom end from the off and we anticipate that to go on."

The U's face Kidderminster Harriers at home on Tuesday after this game, but the manager admits he's not a big fan of having successive home games.

"I don't like two home games in a row," he said.

"It's just that, on the law of averages, it's hard to win two home games in a row when they follow in quick succession.

"But it's another opportunity to take three points and get nearer Dagenham because they're not playing."

United hope Phil Gilchrist will be fit to play at centre back, following treatment on a back strain, and Matt Day is expected to continue at right back after recovering from a slight hamstring twinge.

Barry Quinn's hamstring strain was more serious so he is likely to be rested for Tuesday.

With injuries to so many defenders - and Chris Willmott, Georges Santos and Eddie Hutchinson, who can fill in there - all sidelined, there could be an opportunity soon for the club's most recent signing, Luke Foster, who has been waiting patiently in the wings.

The former Lincoln City defender said: "I'm just waiting for that chance, and with a few injuries around I might get it. When I do, I've got to grab it."

Smith says that, although the switch to 4-4-2 has been successful, it is not set in stone should, for instance, he lose his experienced centre backs.

"The shape of the side is good at the moment with Eddie Anaclet on the right, and the hard work in the centre of Martin Foster and Danny Rose.

"But that wouldn't stop me changing it to three at the back if that was required."

Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Day, Corcoran, Gilchrist, Johnson, Anaclet, M Foster, Rose, Burgess, Odubade, Duffy, Tardif, Hargreaves, Pettefer, Robinson, L Foster, Brevett, Coombes.