TOWN manager Peter Jackson is preparing to pump up the pressure as he plots an eighth straight home win against Cheltenham on Saturday.

After hamstring injury victim Andy Booth came through a third work-out under the supervision of physio Lee Martin, Jackson was ready to put the wily frontman through a full-scale training session today.

And he was also going through a series of training ground routines with loan striker Fola Onibuje, whom he belives can make a big impact from the bench as Town, down in 10th after the 3-3 draw at Mansfield, bid to get back among the Third Division play-off placings.

The lanky Preston man made a goalscoring debut in Tuesday's 3-0 friendly win at UniBond League Harrogate Town, and Jackson liked what he saw of the 19-year-old.

"Fola is obviously young and inexperienced, but he is a big talent and he can do a vital job for us," said the boss.

"All being well, Andy Booth will be back to partner Jon Stead against Cheltenham.

"But with Jon Newby out long-term, we were short of frontline cover and bringing Fola over here has addressed that problem and provided us with someone who can be a useful `impact' player.

"Fola is solid in the air, as you'd expect, but he showed at Harrogate he is also quick and comfortable on the ball."

While Cheltenham chief John Ward, already without hamstring injury victim Richard Forsyth, now has a worry over his first-choice central midfield replacement Lee Howells because of an illness bug, Jackson has ruled wingman John Thorrington out of his thoughts for Saturday's showdown.

The American felt pain in the ankle on which he has had surgery during the Harrogate game, and will be rested until a full assessment can be made.

"The joint has swollen up, and that will have to subside before we can gauge any damage," explained Jackson.

"The hope is that it's just aggravated scar tissue after the operation, and we're hoping that's the case, because John can do a big job for us."

Jackson is also without midfielder Jon Worthington, who starts a three-match ban against the 18th-placed Cotswolds club, who were relegated alongside Town last time around.

But defenders Rob Edwards and Steve Yates are pushing for recalls after injury and suspension respectively.

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