Shropshire Star

AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards prepared to change team

Rob Edwards has admitted he may need to make changes as AFC Telford United prepare for their third game in six days when they travel to Bradford Park Avenue this evening.

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Rob Edwards

The Bucks were denied back-to-back wins on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw at home to Darlington.

Edwards stuck with the same XI that performed so valiantly in the win over Alfreton Town on Tuesday evening. But he has admitted it will be difficult to play the same side again this evening, and he will have to look to rotate his squad.

He said: “It will be tough to play the same side again, but we have a squad that we trust. We will have a look and assess the situation and see what is the best way to go about it.

“We’ve prepared for Bradford numerous times this year, like we have with other sides, and we know about them.

“But work wise there is not much we can do now, other than rest up, eat and sleep well, and go again.

“It is a quick turn around and sometimes it is good to just play and rest.

“We have hit a bit of form now and we want to continue that, but we know it is going to be difficult.

“We have a lot of games coming up in quick succession, but a lot of sides do, including Bradford who are the same as us, so there will be no excuses.”

One man who may get the nod this evening is loanee Ryan Giles, who completed his move from Wolves to the Bucks on Saturday morning.

He came on as a late substitute, and was inches away from connecting with an Elliott Newby cross with minutes remaining.

Edwards was pleased with Giles’ contribution, and hopes the Telford fan can make a difference in the season run in.

The Bucks boss added: “Gilo brings a lot of pace, and is able to produce good crosses in the final third, and we thought he could make an impact in the last ten minutes when they were tired.

“He is Telford boy, and a Telford fan and you heard the cheers when he came on, I think half of his family and friends were watching.

“It was a proud moment for him and I think it can have an effect, work hard and try and help us.”

Edwards has seen his side produce two superb displays in recent games after reverting to a 4-4-2 formation, with Marcus Dinanga and Kane Richards leading the line.

The latter made his home debut on Saturday, and Edwards insisted he will stick with the formation that is working well for his side at the moment.

He added: “At the moment there is no need to change the formation.

“It doesn’t matter what shape you play, it is one thing when you have the ball, and one thing when you don’t.

“With two up there it gives us another outlet, and what we have to do now is make sure we get the rub of the green, that it goes in somehow, off someone.

“I had no complaints against Darlington, they have everything and you saw they are up for the fight, and we want to see that again on Monday.”