Bucks handed timely boost

AFC Telford United have received a bonus injection of cash from the Conference pot to help ease the financial burden during the big freeze.

Conference officials have released the latest installment of the central funding member clubs receive almost two months ahead of schedule.

And the move is appreciated by Bucks chairman Lee Carter, who was quick to praise the league Board for taking positive action.

"They've taken a decision that is more pro-active than usual," he said.

"It's money in the small thousands, it's less than last season because of the collapse of Setanta and it won't seriously change the situation for a lot of clubs - one or two haven't had a home game for almost two months.

"But the gesture is appreciated, because we're literally earning nothing as we speak and our squad are still earning full whack and have to be paid.

"We wouldn't normally have got this money until March."

l AFC Telford were due to be entertaining Vauxhall Motors tonight, but that game was postponed on Friday because of the visitors' commitments in the FA Trophy. It has now been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 2.

Some clubs in the Conference leagues have expressed concern over the growing fixture build-up, but Dennis Strudwick, general manager of the league's governing body, says there are no plans to extend the campaign beyond April 24.

"You don't start a marathon and then ask the runners to do more than 26 miles and 385 yards," he said. "That's where the finishing line is and every effort will be made to stick to the season as it stands."