Preview: AFC Telford v Spennymoor

The Bucks were always going to need all their players over the busy festive period and they have come out firing, writes Lewis Cox.

Telford’s superb nine points from nine has lifted them to fourth in the National League North and three more in tomorrow’s fourth versus fifth Spennymoor clash would really solidify their position.

They showed their strength in depth at Nuneaton on New Year’s Day as Andre Brown and Henry Cowans came from the bench to score, while Dom Smith has impressed as deputy for Shane Sutton.

Now more so than a few weeks ago, the Bucks are showing they have the squad capable of remaining in the fight for a place in the top seven this season.

“Henry gets the goal and he was magnificent when he came on as he brings that energy, and Andre as well,” Cowan said of his supersub duo.

“But James McQuilkin came on and controlled the game. James just grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and controlled it.

“That’s where we are at the moment. I’m a very proud manager and it’s a privilege to be in this position. We’ve just got to not rest on our laurels now and prepare for the next game at home against Spennymoor.”

There was no lack of excitement over the same period for tomorrow’s visitors Spennymoor.

The Moors, from County Durham, fought out two 2-2 clashes with rivals Blyth Spartans either side of a stirring late victory at FC United of Manchester.

But the Bucks are aiming to seal an impressive double over Jason Ainsley’s men. Way back in August a Daniel Udoh double and Ellis Deeney effort earned a memorable 3-2 success.

Telford fans were dreaming of heady heights in those opening weeks of the season and a show of consistency and strength in depth has helped them sustain the fight. The recent acquisition of Brendon Daniels from League Two Port Vale has been a further statement of intent.

The attacker has already proved he has what it takes to score goals out of nowhere.

Brown’s leveller at Nuneaton was his first goal in eight games. Udoh is rarely out of the goals and Amari Morgan-Smith has netted three goals in four games, meaning ex-Kidderminster man Brown has, at times, found minutes difficult to come by.

“His attitude has just been impeccable, you know,” said Cowan of Brown, who will hope to remain in the Bucks XI after his late salvo.

“It’s difficult for him because, with the way we play, it’s hard to get him into the team sometimes.

“But you could just see that it was the game for him.

“He came on and I thought he was superb.

“He’s been patient and impeccable in terms of his attitude.

“When you’ve got someone like that around, with such quality – it’s not as if he’s someone who’s not good enough to be out there – you’re in a good place.

“It was set up for him and he just grasped the opportunity with both hands.”

Teams

Match Prediction

Score Draw