Mike Phenix to test striker role for AFC Telford in Chester friendly
AFC Telford United are set to try out Mike Phenix in an out-and-out striking role during their friendly at Chester tonight as they look to get more goals out of the winger.
Phenix has netted twice this season, both from the bench, the last a vital strike three minutes after his introduction at Histon which sealed a 1-0 win for the Bucks.
Liam Watson's side haven't played since and return to competitive action in the Skrill Conference North at home to North Ferriby United on Saturday.
But first comes a trip to the Deva Stadium and the first football Watson's men have experienced for 10 days, with Phenix set to spearhead the attack.
Sean Cooke, Adam Farrell and Tony Gray are likely to play just behind the lone striker, sitting in front of central midfield pairing Charlie Barnett and Russell Benjamin.
Ryan Young will be in goal as Andy Pryce is feeling the effects of illness, which has plagued Phenix, Gray, Wes Baynes and captain Simon Grand in the Bucks camp during recent weeks.
However, skipper Grand and Neill Byrne are likely to be excused from duty with Baynes, transfer-listed defender Dan Preston, Chris Lever and Matthew McGinn in defence.
Watson said: "We just need to get some game-time into the lads and some need it more than others. The ones coming back from the virus need to get a grip on how they are feeling.
"Andy was ill the other day, he was at our last training session but couldn't get involved. If he feels well enough, he will play half of a game.
"Martyn Jackson is very doubtful, though, with an ankle injury.
"Hopefully, Jake Bennett will get some part of the game. Mike will play as a centre-forward."
Conference Premier side Chester took a point from league leaders Cambridge on Saturday but are still in the drop zone.
Watson said: "In their last three games, they have taken goalless draws with Cambridge and Kidderminster Harriers, as well as beating Alfreton.
"They are starting to pick up and keep clean sheets."
l Telford's home league game against Vauxhall Motors, scheduled for a week on Saturday, has been rescheduled for Tuesday November 12, due to the visitors progressing in the FA Cup.
