FA Trophy woe will spur us on to promotion – AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan
Determined AFC Telford United chief Gavin Cowan has stressed that FA Trophy heartbreak will spur his side on to promotion.
The Bucks’ journey in the competition came to an end one step from Wembley as National League leaders Leyton Orient had too much over two legs for Telford.
But Cowan insists there is no time to dwell on the disappointment as the Bucks, roared on by more than 3,500 on Saturday, face a quick turnaround and head to the Bradford Park Avenue tonight.
“We are just thinking about the league now and not dwelling on things,” said Cowan, whose side lost 3-1 on aggregate against the O’s. “We want the season to come full circle and the defeat will give us more motivation to get promoted.
“It is a dull feeling to lose a semi-final, but we have to go out and play tonight.
“Play-offs are in everyone’s hand so we need to bring it over the line. Bradford won’t be feeling sorry for us.
“We will have a look and see what the lads are like.”
Telford’s trip to the Horsfall Stadium could have a big bearing on their play-off aspirations. Cowan’s men currently occupy the final National League North play-off spot, in seventh, while tonight’s hosts are fourth – seven points better off.
Left-sided defender Steph Morley is being assessed for a hamstring injury he picked up in the Trophy semi-final first leg at Orient. The knock forced Morley out of the second-leg.
Midfielder Henry Cowans (knee) has stepped up his recovery but it remains touch-and-go whether he will play any more football this term.
