Gavin Cowan: AFC Telford will rise to the occasion

AFC Telford United are going into the final game of the season at York aiming to clinch a National League North play-off place, writes Joe Edwards.

They currently sit outside the play-offs on goal difference and need to better Bradford Park Avenue’s result at Chorley.

But Gavin Cowan reckons his charges will show their mettle in what promises to be a nerve-racking affair at Bootham Crescent.

“This is where we see the real test of character now, and I expect us to rise to the occasion,” he said.

“I brought the lads in and know what I can expect from them.

“If they cannot get pumped for it, I have brought in the wrong guys.

“It is very much alive. Bradford have a difficult game as do we, but we expect to get something from it.”

Cowan will be assessing who to pick in the starting XI for such a crucial clash and has a couple of selection dilemmas.

Dom Smith and Henry Cowans came into the side on Monday for the 0-0 draw with Alfreton and performed well, while vice-skipper Ellis Deeney is returning from a three-match ban.

“Brendon Daniels still has a knock and Ellis comes back who is a massive player for us,” added Cowan.

“We will assess if we bring him in as Henry Cowans was magnificent.

“We made changes because Dom Smith deserved to come in as he has been phenomenal when he has come in and Theo (Streete) was a bit leggy so we changed it.

“He has had a difficult season but he has staked a claim.”

Someone who is expected to start is Shrewsbury loanee Ryan Barnett.

He has been one of Telford’s star performers over the past few months and is determined to make a stellar campaign for him and the team count.

“It will be a big day for us,” said Barnett.

“We have missed a few opportunities this year, but I don’t think you can look back on it like that, just look forward to York.

“We have had big games this season and this is massive, so we have that experience and we have dealt with big crowds.

“I feel we have the tools to go and do it, and Bradford have Chorley so pressure will be on them.”

Nothing is riding on the game for York, who are 12th.

But they still want to end on a high at home.

This should have been the club’s last match at Bootham Crescent but won’t be because of delays with the York Community Stadium which was supposed to be completed in July.

They are now not expected to move into the new stadium until October.

Minstermen boss Steve Watson said: “It’s not our last game at Bootham, but it’s the end of the season and we’d like to go out on a high.

“We’d like to go out reminding people that we can compete.

“It’s been a frustrating season for all parties, because at times we’ve shown we’re a match for anybody in the league.

“We want go out against Telford and to have a positive end to the season.”