Hope for AFC Telford United fans as club ask to switch FA Trophy tie
AFC Telford United hope to find out tomorrow whether they can welcome fans back to the New Bucks Head next week.
The Bucks had been delivered a blow earlier today when they were drawn away in the next two rounds of the FA Trophy – on Tuesday, and then the following Saturday should they make it through.
However, the club have now asked their tie against Coleshill Town be switched to Shropshire so supporters can attend.
With Coleshill under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, they would not be allowed any fans in should they host the game as drawn.
But with Telford in Tier 2, up to 2,000 could attend the New Bucks Head next week – creating a potential bumper Trophy payday for both sides, who like all non-league clubs have faced a cash-flow crisis during the pandemic.
Wherever the match is played on Tuesday, whoever wins will advance to the third round on Saturday, December 19 – where they would face either the Bucks' National League North rivals Darlington or step four Northern Premier League side City of Liverpool.
Telford last weekend received the green light from the National League and Telford and Wrekin Council for up to 2,000 supporters to return to the New Bucks Head.
As it stands, the first chance for supporters to cheer on their team remains the Boxing Day league clash at home to Chester.
The Bucks head to Kettering Town this Saturday hoping to respond from last Saturday’s reverse at Farsley Celtic, but league action is then parked for a fortnight as the delayed Trophy action takes priority.
Second round hosts Coleshill reached this stage after an impressive 5-2 victory over higher-ranked Matlock on Tuesday night.
Coleshill were forced to play night’s tie behind closed doors after Warwickshire was placed in Tier 3 of government’s coronavirus restrictions.
The Colemen are 13th in Southern League Division One Central.
Boss Gavin Cowan has had mixed fortune in the FA Trophy during his two previous seasons in charge at the New Bucks Head.
Telford thrilled onlookers as the reached the semi-final in the 2018/19 campaign, narrowly missing out on Wembley final to National League Leyton Orient over a two-legged affair.
They began the competition last season with a strong 4-0 win at league rivals Guiseley but were dealt a heavy first round defeat at home to Leamington, who stormed to a 5-0 Bucks Head victory.
