Chris Lever set to boost AFC Telford's defence

Lever has been sidelined for the last four matches after picking up a groin injury in the Bucks' 2-1 home win over Boston United last month.

But the versatile former Southport stopper, who has been used largely as a left-back, returned to training last week and is expected to be available for this Saturday's Skrill North home clash with Guiseley.

And Watson, who was critical of his team's defending in the 2-2 draw at league leaders North Ferriby at the weekend, said: "I think we missed him on Saturday.

"It will be good to have the option of having him back in the team at the weekend. Chris is a really good, steady defender.

"Matty McGinn gives us more going forward, but Chris gives us another option so it just gives us a bit more competition with him back in the squad."

Assistant manager Dominic Morley added that Lever's versatility would help provide cover in a range of defensive positions.

He said: "He can play anywhere across the back four so if we do have injuries or we want to make a change, he gives us an option."

Morley added that the team came through the North Ferriby clash without picking up any more fitness concerns, and with injured midfielder Alan Moogan (hernia) less than two weeks away from a return to training, the squad was in good health.

But Saturday's game, which was the Bucks' seventh straight match without a clean sheet, saw them miss a chance to close the gap on the division's front-runners.

Instead the third-placed Bucks remains seven points behind North Ferriby albeit having played a game less than their rivals.

And Morley said: "We should have done better for the goals we conceded. Defensively we were a bit too open."