Make-or-break month coming up for AFC Telford
February is a massive month for AFC Telford United, to say the least.
Rob Edwards’ side are currently second from bottom in National League North and have seven games during the month to try to pull away from trouble.
Four home matches, three on the road – it is a make or break period for the Bucks.
Here is a look at those fixtures, with how many points we think Telford are likely to pick up by the end of February.
Southport (a) – Saturday, February 3
Edwards’ charges have had a wretched 2018 so far, losing all four of their games.
Southport – managed by former Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies – have won three of their five encounters, rising to 15th.
The form book suggests a win for the Sandgrounders, who have picked up 19 of their 32 points at Haig Avenue.
But Telford will take heart from the reverse fixture, a 1-1 draw back in October.
Edwards and his players were disappointed to end up with just a point that day. They will happily take one on Saturday, though.
PREDICTION: SCORE DRAW
North Ferriby United (h) – Saturday, February 10
Anything less than a win against the Villagers would be catastrophic. They are the division’s worst side, by quite a distance, having picked up just eight points from 27 games – after relegation from the National League last season.
Chris Bolder’s side have a goal difference of minus 57 as well – scoring 13, conceding 70.
North Ferriby’s solitary win this season was on the road and Telford cannot afford them to get another at their expense. Edwards’ men won the reverse clash 2-0, thanks to goals from Jordan Lussey and Elliot Newby, and will be hoping for another relatively stress-free triumph.
If the Bucks lose, you cannot see them getting out of trouble.
PREDICTION: TELFORD WIN
Curzon Ashton (h) – Tuesday, February 13
Both teams try to play an expansive style of football but find themselves at the wrong end of the table.
The Nash are two points clear of the drop zone and – like the reverse fixture, which John Flanagan’s side won 1-0 – striker Niall Cummins could well play the deciding role against the Bucks’ unsure defence.
PREDICTION: CURZON WIN
Tamworth (a) – Saturday, February 17
Telford new-boy Ellis Deeney will be looking forward to this one.
The brother of Watford striker Troy, he recently joined the Bucks from the Lambs on an 18-month contract.
Edwards’ side beat them 2-0 on November 21 – Telford’s last league win.
The Bucks have not won at the Lamb Ground since 2009, though.
PREDICTION: TAMWORTH WIN
Spennymoor Town (a) – Tuesday, February 20
The Moors are fourth following promotion from the Evo-Stik Premier – via the play-offs – and have only lost twice at Brewery Field this term.
A 400-mile round trip on a Tuesday night, the odds seemed to be stacked in favour of the home side.
PREDICTION: SPENNYMOOR WIN
FC United of Manchester – Saturday, February 24
Telford have already beat United on home soil this season, 3-1 in the FA Cup. They lost 3-1 in the league at Broadhurst Park, though.
Both sides are capable of scoring goals and shipping them.
PREDICTION: SCORE DRAW
Nuneaton Town – Tuesday, February 27
Telford’s last two home games against Nuneaton did not go well – losing 4-2 last season, and 5-1 the campaign prior.
The Bucks beat Boro 2-0 earlier this term, though.
PREDICTION: TELFORD WIN
TOTAL POINTS IN FEBRUARY: 8
