Alfreton v AFC Telford: Rob Edwards keen for chance to respond

A superb effort from volunteers saw Tuesday’s home clash against Nuneaton Town take place as planned following snow and sub-zero temperatures, writes Joe Edwards.

The Bucks lost 2-1, though, and are desperate to put things right at the Impact Arena – if the pitch is deemed playable.

“We have to plan as if the game is on and we need to try to get points on the board again,” said Edwards.

“We did it last weekend (beating FC United of Manchester 1-0), got the three points, and got a point the weekend before that (drawing 2-2 at Tamworth) but those midweek games have been disappointing for us recently.

“If the game is on, we need to try to get the performance. It’s one we really need to get something from.”

Telford are third bottom in National League North, three points from safety, ahead of the scheduled trip to Derbyshire.

Alfreton are 16th – three points better off than the Bucks, having played two more games.

The reverse fixture in November saw the Reds prevail 2-1, with Craig Westcarr and Tom Allan netting before Elliot Newby’s strike for the hosts.

“There as important for everyone – it’s a big, big game for both teams,” said Edwards.

“We had a disappointing result against them at home.

“They play some decent stuff, they certainly do that but the conditions are likely to play a part – if the game is on.

“We know we’re capable of. We’ve got to show it.”

While Telford are fresh off a loss in which they were ‘outworked’, Alfreton are in good spirits after a 2-0 Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final victory against Ilkeston Town on Tuesday night.

Brendon Daniels got both goals – one a free-kick, the other a close-range finish – and is someone for the Bucks to be wary of.

“Of course, we are very disappointed and frustrated but there’s no other way, we have to pick ourselves up and we have to go again,” said Edwards.

“We need to go and give people something to shout about again as Tuesday night was not good enough.

“The supporters are right to vent their frustration because the one thing I don’t want my team to do is be outworked.

“I just felt like we were for large spells of the game.

“I apologise for that on Tuesday night because we made everyone aware of it – to work hard.”

Edwards is expected to make changes to the side that started the Nuneaton defeat. Top scorer Marcus Dinanga, who has netted 14 times this term, may come back into the starting XI.

Newby is another who could come in from the outset.

“We have to be confident and have to believe,” added Edwards.

“I feel we have enough quality and the right attitude in the group to do it.

“First and foremost, we have to compete.

“One or two didn’t do that on Tuesday and one or two may suffer for not having done that.”