Only Alex Francis is a doubt for the Vase clash due to work.
While some make West favourites for the visit to Teesside, Mr Forrest is more cautious.
“We watched Stockton on Friday and they beat an in-form Sunderland RCA side,” he said.
“We will also have to adapt quickly to their pitch (a 3G surface). It is a tough draw.”
As the Northern League season enters its second half, Mr Forrest admits his first few months in charge of West have been somewhat frustrating.
“We have dropped 11 points by conceding goals either in the last few minutes of the game or in injury time.
“Some have been our own fault, some have downright unfortunate and some have been bad refereeing.
“If you add those 11 points onto our total, we would be in second place.”
However, he has succeeded in breathing new life into a team which had struggled for the previous two seasons.
“I think people don't understand it's not easy to pull together 14/15 players – we have only retained two from last season – and for them to gel overnight. It is very difficult.
“It takes time, energy and focus to rebuild the side.
“I would have liked to have been sat a little bit closer to the current leaders, but winning the title was never on the agenda.”
Mr Forrest added: “The second half of the season will tell us a lot.
“We have got to know each other and there should be a bit more consistency. I would hope we pick up more points in the second half of the season than the first.”
l The club is laying on a bus for supporters for the FA Vase trip to Stockton. It will depart West Auckland WMC at 1.15pm, arriving at the ground for about 2pm ahead of the 3pm kick off, and return after the match, depending on whether extra time is required.
The cost depends on how many people put their names forward. Anyone wishing to travel on the bus should contact Ronnie Savage on 07970 055032 or Dave Bussey on 07812 361338.
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