Boss Rob Smith has set AFC Telford United a bold six-point target for their demanding duo of Bank Holiday fixtures.The Bucks travel to Redditch – a club where Smith played and managed – tomorrow, before entertaining big-spending Alfreton on Monday.

The Telford chief accepts that neither game can be taken lightly, but is eager to cash in now before two even tougher looking away games against two of Blue Square North’s promotion favourites at the start of September.

“You look at the two games we’ve got the following week – with Droylsden and Harrogate away – and you realise we need to be getting the points on the board now,” he declared.

“We’re definitely looking for all six points this weekend, but we know it will be tough.

“Redditch away is a very, very tough game. They’ve proved already they’re half-decent – we had them watched at King’s Lynn (in a 1-1 draw) and they put in a really good performance.

“They can be quite a physical side, they’re very dogged and it’s not the best pitch in the world there, either.

“They’ll match us up in formation and we will have to be on our game.”

Smith has been boosted by his ever-shortening injury list, even moving to declare that he now has his best ever squad at his disposal.

Defenders Simon Forsdick and Asa Charlton have both been farmed out to other clubs – Nuneaton and Shifnal respectively – to regain their fitness.

And the Bucks boss admits it is getting harder every week for him to decide upon his starting XI and substitutes.

“The squad is looking very strong – the strongest we’ve ever had, in fact,” he said.

“It’s getting to the stage where it’s awkward in terms of selection, but it’s a nice headache to have.

“Even on the bench, I’ve got great options however the game is going.”

By Chris Hudson