AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards looking for leaders

The Bucks, who have lost three National League North games in a row, head to Blackwell Meadows tomorrow to face the unbeaten Quakers.

Edwards will be hoping for a similar display to that when Telford won 1-0 at highly-fancied York City on the opening day.

He said: “It’s going to be a really tough test, we understand that.

“We have got to match up to that physicality – got to be strong, got to have leaders on the pitch.

“It will require a monumental effort. We look forward to the challenge.

“That’s what football is, it gives you an opportunity – and this is another opportunity for three points.”

Edwards has done his homework on Darlington, having watched their 0-0 draw at York on Tuesday, while Quakers boss Martin Gray watched Telford’s 1-0 loss at Curzon Ashton on Monday.

“I went to watch them and they got a good point – they stood up to the test,” he said.

“Darlington have got some good players and we know their threats.

“We have just got to keep doing what we are doing.

“The performances have been there, the work rate has been there.

“Monday night was disappointing because we didn’t get what we felt we deserved, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.

“You can’t just suddenly change the message. We are doing our homework, we have a gameplan and a plan B.”

Darlington finished fifth in the league last season but were not allowed to compete in the play-offs as their ground did not meet league requirements.

The Quakers, who won this fixture 1-0 last season, are the third-favourites for promotion with bookmakers at 8/1, behind 9/2 York and 5/2 Salford City.

Meanwhile, Telford have a couple of injury worries going into the game.

Forward John Marsden rolled his ankle at Curzon and wing-back Jordan Gough hurt his hip.

Midfielder Jack Rea, who missed the visit of Salford City and was an unused substitute at the Tameside Stadium, is expected to feature after knocks to his knee and hamstring.

Edwards added: “We think that Jack should be OK.

“John might be struggling, though, and Jordan is the same with his hip.”