AFC Telford v Curzon Ashton: Hoping to keep bogey side at bay

Curzon Ashton have beaten the Bucks in the last three meetings, so – for the sake of Gavin Cowan and Co’s play-off ambitions – that run needs to be put to a halt, writes Joe Edwards.

And Telford’s unbeaten spell – currently at four games – needs to be extended.

They are currently seventh in the table – the final play-off spot – and can hardly afford a loss as the Blyth Spartans steam train , who have picked up three victories on the spin, are three points behind.

With a win over Curzon, the Bucks will head into the final three games confident of making their fine work in National League North count.

Another defeat to the Greater Manchester side would put them on much more shaky ground though, and Cowan is under no illusions as to how important this clash is.

“They’re a very good footballing team,” he said.

“We’re under no illusions over how big a game it is, at this stage of the season. They’re a team that, on their day, can beat anyone in this division.

“But I’d like to think the same applies to us, so we’ve got to make sure we are prepared and ready for it.”

Cowan has a potential selection dilemma up front.

Top scorer Daniel Udoh, who is on 26 for the campaign, should start against the Nash, but it is a little bit up in the air as to who his strike partner will be.

Amari Morgan-Smith has been a regular feature alongside Udoh, but Cowan also has Marcus Dinanga at his disposal and Andre Brown, who scored a last-gasp penalty to seal a 1-1 draw against Altrincham on Tuesday.

Brown has made 28 appearances for Telford in the league this term, but only eight of those have been starts.

He is now on five goals and Cowan thinks his late penalty epitomised the character of his group.

“I’ve spoken a lot this year about the group and the togetherness we have,” he said.

“And Andre is a great lad, so I couldn’t have been more pleased for him to score that goal.

“I’ve been very honest with Andre since he’s been with us.

“He didn’t really fit into our style at first but as we’ve developed over the season, Andre has fitted in more.”

Cowan is waiting to find out if Ellis Deeney can play after appealing his sending-off at Chorley last weekend. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the midfielder will serve a three-match ban.