AFC Telford excited for FA Trophy trip to Hartlepool
Boss Gavin Cowan says AFC Telford United are full of excitement and without pressure ahead of travelling to Hartlepool in the FA Trophy.
The Bucks are heading to Victoria Park tomorrow for a second-round clash with the one-tier-above Pools.
And Cowan, who has previously made no bones about his desire to do well in the competition, after reaching the final as a player with Canvey Island, said: “There’s a lot of excitement around the place.
“We’ve got four wins on the trot and the lads are reaping the rewards of the work they’ve been putting in.
“We’re all excited, without getting complacent.
“We’re really looking forward to going to Hartlepool and, hopefully, showing what we can do.”
Telford have already beaten Darlington and Farsley Celtic in the competition.
Hartlepool beat Leamington 1-0 in the last round.
Going into the encounter, the Bucks sit fourth in National League North while the Pools are 14th in the National League.
“It’s no lose for us. We have nothing to lose.
“We are not expected to win, but we are going there with confidence after winning our last four games.
“We know we can go up there and give them a stern test.
“We’ve just got to make sure we prepare in the right way and apply ourselves correctly.”
Meanwhile, Telford have signed Ryan Barnett on loan from Shrewsbury Town again.
The 19-year-old midfielder returns to the Bucks until the end of the season.
Town recalled him from Telford for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy loss at Port Vale, as Sam Ricketts wanted to see him in action for the first time.
He is back now though and could play a part tomorrow, after scoring against Farsley in the last round.
“Ryan has come back in until the end of the season,” added Cowan.
“With him not playing for us last weekend, it did him good to back and get a game for Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.
“It was a good experience for him, and Sam wanted to have a look at him.
“We have a good relationship with Shrewsbury and he’ll stay with us for the rest of the season and be an important part of what we’re doing.
“Then, hopefully, he’ll return to Shrewsbury a better player, ready to be involved for them next season.”
Fellow midfielder Jud Ellis has been sent out on loan by Telford to Hednesford Town for a month.
