AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan is expecting a positive response

The Bucks go into the clash with a perfect home record, but having lost 3-0 at Darlington last weekend.

“Everything has been upbeat this week, we’re all excited,” said Cowan, whose side are second in National League North after nine games.

“The character they come out and show, that’s what I’m looking forward to seeing.

“I can’t wait to see the response that the players give. Training this week has been really good. The lads have been superb.

“They’re ready to respond and I’m sure the fans will come out in force too and back us with the start we’ve had.

“They need to get down there as, aside from last week which was a bad day at the office, we’ve done really well. We’ll respond.

“We need people to come through the gates as that’s what it’s all about – making the New Bucks Head a fortress.”

Telford are hopeful of completing a loan signing in time for the encounter – understood to be a defender.

They have been a little light at the back since Ryan Sears’ return to Shrewsbury Town.

The Bucks have received some good news about another on-loan player, goalkeeper Max Bramley.

He was forced off at half-time with a knee injury at Darlington but, after having a scan at parent club Leicester City, should be fit enough to be involved against the Hatters.

“Max is all sorted. When it happened we just wasn’t sure how bad it was – he had a lot of swelling around the patella,” said Cowan.

“He went for a scan at Leicester during the week though and it all looked good.

“We’re fortunate to have three very good goalkeepers at the moment so Max has got to get in ahead of the others.”

Meanwhile, having sat down to analyse the defeat at Darlington with the players, Cowan clarified the comments he made after the game.

He said the attitude and application was not there from the players – but he meant mentally, not physically.

“I’ve been vocal about their application but it’s psychological, not physical,” added Cowan.

“If they physically weren’t putting the effort in, if that’s how they were, then they wouldn’t be here and playing for this club.

“They didn’t apply themselves psychologically – they did not stick to the game-plan, the things we had gone over beforehand.

“We went over the positives and the negatives and there’s a great mood around the place.”