Ben Bailey: Victory has lifted AFC Telford United spirits

The Bucks – who moved six points clear of the National League North relegation places with a 2-0 victory at second-bottom Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday night – host Worcester City tomorrow, writes Joe Edwards.

A win against City – who are just two points above the drop zone – would put Rob Smith’s charges on 40 points, which may well turn out to be enough to survive.

When asked if the side’s confidence has been given a huge boost following Tuesday’s triumph, Bailey – who netted the first at Bower Fold – said: “It has, but morale has always been high which may be a strange thing to hear.

“In training recently, everybody has had a smile on their face, having a laugh and really been enjoying it.

“We just weren’t getting it right on a matchday and, for whatever reason, it wasn’t clicking.

“On Tuesday night though, we all looked at each other in the dressing room and everybody knew what they had to do – we had to win.

“We all had that feeling and the feeling will be the same for Worcester.”

Telford’s win against Celtic was only their second on the road this campaign.

Going back to the New Bucks Head, they will be looking to put things right following a 3-1 defeat to Bradford Park Avenue the last time they were at home.

“Tuesday was a massive relief, with the first goal going in and the second to create the breathing space – it was great. It felt so much better than in previous weeks,” said Bailey.

“I don’t get many goals now so I thought I would change my Twitter profile picture to me celebrating after my goal.

“There was a time that I got quite a few but they don’t come around as often now so I have to make the most of them.

“Against Worcester, if it came down to it, I think we would take a point and carry on but first and foremost, we will definitely be going for all three.”

Bailey – who joined from Hednesford Town last summer – has now made 21 appearances at the heart of the defence this term.

Having been kept out of the side by skipper Luca Havern and Paul McCone, he has returned due to an injury picked up by the latter – and is determined to cement his place in the starting line-up.

“Both Luca and Macca were in there, but Macca has picked up the injury now which he’ll come back from stronger,” added Bailey.

“I sat on the bench for a while. I have been patient.

“I’m not one to moan or complain to the gaffer or anything like that. The lads were doing well in there.

“I’m back in the side now though and I will take my opportunity.”

In terms of team news, Smith has players to monitor including the likes of Eddie Jones, Dwayne Samuels and Luca Havern – who all played with knocks on Tuesday night.

The boss said: “At this stage of the season, pretty much everyone is playing with injuries so you just patch yourself up and get on with it.”