Chris Lever injury blow for AFC Telford

Lever, who has been one of the Bucks most consistent performers in pre-season, had to leave the field after half-an-hour of his team's 2-0 friendly win over FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

And manager Liam Watson has confirmed that the injury is likely to prevent him being involved in their first match of the new campaign at Welling.

He is also likely to miss the Bucks' opening home game of the season against Macclesfield three days later, but Watson hopes he will be back in time for the New Bucks Head clash with Aldershot on Sunday, August 17.

He said: "Chris Lever tweaked his hamstring which is a bit of a nightmare for us. I would have thought he is a doubt for Saturday.

"If you get a tweak in your hamstring, normally the quickest recovery you can hope for is 10 days.

"So I think he is more likely to be available for the Aldershot game a week on Sunday."

Watson already had one defender on the treatment table in Rod McDonald, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

Both players would have offered a solid option at left-back, but Watson has hinted that Andy Owens is now likely to get the nod in that position for the Welling trip.

Regarding Lever's injury setback, he said: "It happens, and we have only come through pre-season with him and Rod injured.

"It is just a shame that they are two defenders who both play in the left-back area. But it is up to Andy Owens to step up to the plate."

Owens replaced Lever at left-back for the last 60 minutes of the game on Saturday and Watson said: "I thought he did alright."

The meeting with FC United was Telford's last pre-season game of nine and Watson said he was confident that his team will be ready for the big-kick off after a solid display.

He said: "Overall they have all worked hard in pre-season and gradually as the games have kicked on there has been more sharpness coming into their play."