Confident Bucks in league focus

Skipper Stuart Whitehead is urging AFC Telford United to transfer the golden cup form into their Blue Square North campaign.

The Bucks entertain Gateshead at the New Bucks Head tomorrow, and that promises to be a tough task with the Tyneside outfit having plundered nine goals in their last two outings.

Telford are unbeaten in 14 games though, and have been boosted by their run in the Setanta Shield as well as their classy performance in last weekend's 2-2 FA Cup draw with Southend.

"We were getting stick for the results we had earlier in the season but the lads have got confidence, and that's everything," said Whitehead.

"I don't think we've had an easy game in this league – you've got to apply yourself correctly in every game if you're to have a chance.

"But I feel that if we play to the standard we can tomorrow then we should win.

"They're a free-scoring team at the minute so it will be a tough proposition, but we can cause them problems too."

Talk this week has understandably been focused on Tuesday's replay with the Shrimpers and the prospect of a second round tie with Luton or Altrincham.

Centre-back Whitehead shared the excitement, but also insists promoton remains the No 1 – and most realistic – goal for the campaign.

"The FA Cup is special, but we're not losing sight of the fact that the league is our main aim this season," he declared.

"The performances we've had in the cup games have given us a little bit of confidence and now we want to transfer that form into the league.

"We're in a good position. The top two (Tamworth and Southport) have just stuttered a bit of late, and maybe we've come into form at just the right time."

The 32-year-old also wants the fans to respond tomorrow as they did last weekend – praising them for their vocal support.

"The atmosphere was brilliant," he said.

"At 1-0 down everyone stayed right behind us and the way we turned it around was great.

"That's what being in football is all about, for me.

"It was a great day, but it's just tinged with a little regret that we couldn't hold out for the win."

By CHRIS HUDSON