Boss Rob Smith is urging AFC Telford United to learn the lessons of recent history and not under-estimate the threat of Blyth Spartans tomorrow.The Tyneside outfit arrive at the New Bucks Head having pushed much-fancied Southport all the way before going down 2-1 on Tuesday, and also started with a 3-0 win over Solihull Moors.
But it is what happened in the meetings between the two sides last season that is causing Smith a few nerves.
Telford had already completed a league double over the Spartans when the teams met for a third time in an FA Trophy clash last December, but it was Blyth who emerged with a 2-1 win.
“Blyth are one of those teams who are a real pain,” said Smith. “They are always up for it, and it still sticks in my throat to think about that Trophy game last year when they turned us over after travelling so far.
“They played ever so well at Southport and were unlucky to lose. They’re one of those awkward sides to play - they’re well organised and they’ve got a lot of big lads so we’ll have our work cut out.”
The Bucks will still be without defender Indy Khela - though his prognosis improved greatly yesterday after a consultant looked at his injured shoulder and diagnosed only a partial dislocation.
Khela could now be fit to return within three weeks, but will have to follow a disciplined weights regime for the rest of his career.
In the meantime, Smith has wing-back Lee Vaughan available again, the former Walsall man having completed a suspension carried over from last season.
Left-sided defender Asa Charlton has also completed his suspension but is likely to be out for another three or four weeks after breaking a bone in his foot.
Martyn Naylor deputised at centre-back in the 4-2 win over Hinckley on Tuesday and could continue , though Carl Rodgers has been declared fully fit and may come into contention.
By Chris Hudson
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