Blyth v AFC Telford: Bucks aim to make most of journey up north
This lengthy trip to Blyth Spartans is all about bouncing back for AFC Telford United.
The Bucks’ last away game was a vastly-disappointing 3-0 defeat to Darlington.
So Gavin Cowan is determined to see his players give a better account of themselves at Croft Park – to show exactly why they sit third in the National League North table, 10 games into the season.
Last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Bedford Town in the FA Cup boosted spirits, especially upping the confidence of star striker Daniel Udoh.
The 22-year-old grabbed a hat-trick in an immense display, taking him to 10 goals in all competitions.
He is the league’s joint top scorer and it is highly likely that he will continue alongside Andre Brown, who has caused lots of problems with his pace and power, up top for the Bucks.
If Udoh is on song, Telford have a very good chance of coming out on top.
Blyth were new to the division last season and turned many heads, eventually ending up 10th.
But they have made a slow start to this campaign.
They are 19th with just two wins to their name.
The concern for the Bucks, though, is both of the Green Army’s victories came on home soil – a 2-1 success against Altrincham and a stunning 8-1 triumph over Chester.
Robbie Dale is the dangerman for Blyth, who may prove a little more fatigued than Telford having played an FA Cup second qualifying round replay against Nantwich Town on Tuesday – the Green Army winning 1-0. He has scored twice this term. Jarrett Rivers is a tricky customer as well.
The Bucks won 1-0 in the league at Croft Park last season, Marcus Dinanga on the scoresheet.
They lost 1-0 there in the FA Cup though back in December, Dale Hopson finding the net.
Telford have most of the squad fit and ready for the clash.
John McAtee is expected at least be in the squad after joining on loan from Shrewsbury Town again while left-back Callum Cockerill-Mollett should be back involved after being left out of the Bedford game at the request of parent club Walsall.
Amari Morgan-Smith has been dealing with a knee injury – doing recovery sessions put on by former Salop physio Chris Skitt.
It is thought he and full-back Steph Morley, who has had a calf problem, will not be in the 16.
