Bucks in mood to end goal drought

Friday 11th April 2008, 12:30PM BST.

Rob SmithAFC Telford United are looking for net gain in tomorrow’s play-off humdinger with Harrogate, with bullish boss Rob Smith declaring: “We’re going for goals.”

The Bucks have scored just three in their last seven outings and have drawn a complete blank in all of the last three during a run of four consecutive defeats.

That has cast a dark shadow of doubt over the club’s Blue Square North promotion chances – but Smith is confident they can find their range once more for the visit of Harrogate.

And that would be perfect timing, with the winners looking likely to al but guarantee themselves one of the precious play-off places.

“Harrogate are a really dangerous side, but I’m putting all the emphasis on what we do and how we perform,” said Smith.

“We’ve got to score goals and we’ve got to create chances.

Chances

“That wasn’t a problem earlier in the season but people haven’t been brave enough and got into the box in the last few games.

“We haven’t got enough bodies in there to take the chances, but we’ve worked on it and I think it will be different tomorrow.”

Smith is also quick to insist that his squad are well aware of what is at stake, and that they are ready to rise to the challenge.

“The lads are very positive and there was a real buzz around the place last night,” he added.

“They can sense that everyone is behind us and that tomorrow is a really big game.”

Striker Michael Husbands has been ruled out, having been laid low all week with tonsillitis.

But injured trio Jimmy Turner, Stuart Whitehead and Jamie Vermiglio all trained last night and remain on course to return at Stalybridge next week.

Smith has also refused to rule out the prospect of midfielder Vermiglio playing some part off the bench tomorrow, providing a doctor gives the all-clear.

By CHRIS HUDSON



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