AFC Telford vs York City: Changes in the pipeline
Boss Rob Edwards is considering changes as AFC Telford United aim to halt their worrying slide against in-form York City tonight, writes Matt Maher.
A run of just one win in eight games has left the Bucks just one spot above the relegation zone in National League North.
But Edwards is refusing to get downbeat and took encouragement from his team’s first-half performance in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at leaders Salford City.
Visitors York arrive at the New Bucks Head sitting sixth in the table and aiming to extend a four-game winning streak – their best run since 2014.
Yet Edwards is bullish about his side’s chances.
“Everyone will be ready,” said the boss. “We need freshness and it could be that there’s one or two changes, to give us that impetus.
“There was loads of good stuff on Saturday. In possession, I thought we were the better team.
“I think not many people would disagree with that. I thought we created a number of good opportunities.
“We have to just take our chances when they come, and they’ll come.
“Our last performance at home, against Kidderminster Harriers on Boxing Day, was a terrific performance. We’ve got to take that into York. We’re looking forward to it.”
York’s attack is spearheaded by former Stoke and Preston striker Jon Parkin. Now aged 36, the “Beast” remains a fearsome opponent at non-league level, with his size likely to cause some unique headaches for Telford’s defence.
“It’ll be a test, but anyone at this level is – they all pose different threats,” said Edwards.
“Jon, we know what he is about. He’s a very experienced pro, played at a really good level.
“Our defenders have got to be at their best, but it’s the same for every game.”
Edwards could stick with the 3-5-2 formation, after returning to the system with some success at Salford.
“I thought it was very good,” he said. “We talk about formations but when we’ve got the ball we’re one formation, and when we haven’t we’re another.
“You can write it up a certain way, formations are just numbers really – it’s about what you do when you have got it, and what you do when you haven’t got it.
“I was pleased with lots of elements on Saturday.”
