AFC Telford United have set up a Shropshire Senior Cup final with Shrewsbury Town - but boss Rob Smith admits his side are “mentally tired” after their semi-final exertions.Telford won 3-0 at home to Bridgnorth in last night’s re-arranged semi at the New Bucks Head, Terry Fearns scoring twice after Lee Moore had put them in front.
But it was a match that never really hit the heights, and Smith has promised to rotate his squad for tomorrow’s final pre-season friendly at home to League Two side Chester City.
Right wing-back Lee Vaughan, who was suspended for last night’s cup clash, is in line for his first appearance of the summer after recovering from injury.
Asa Charlton will step up his comeback following a double hernia operation at the end of last season.
“We’ll have to be at the races for that one,” said Smith.
“They kick off their season in a week’s time as well, so they’ll be sharp. We’ll freshen it up tomorrow and it certainly won’t be a case of whoever starts that one will start the following week.
“Lee Vaughan and Asa Charlton both need a run and hopefully Gary Fitzpatrck will be back (from holiday). They’ll all be involved on Saturday.
“A lot of the lads have had a lot of games and I think you could tell last night that they were a bit tired, mentally.”
Smith was delighted to win through to the final last night, especially having seen his team beaten on penalties by Market Drayton at the same stage 12 months ago.
But he admitted the game was hardly classic - revealing that the abandonment of the original tie on Monday had thrown his plans out of kilter.
“It’s better than last year but it was a bit of a boring game,” Smith added. “No disrespect to Bridgnorth, but we weren’t at the races.
“We were lethargic in the warm-up and we carried it on onto the pitch. It was difficult really, because the team talk had already been done on Monday, the team had already been picked and we were going over old ground.
“We didn’t get ourselves up for it properly and that’s why we made it harder work than it should have been.”
By Chris Hudson
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