AFC Telford United manager Rob Smith has ordered chairman Lee Carter to stay away from tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round qualifier at Northwich Victoria – because of superstition.

Carter missed Telford’s opening Cup match against Corby and, fearing that his presence would put a jinx on his team’s chances, he then opted to stay away from their third round qualifier against Hendon.

“I was in two minds yesterday about whether I should go to Northwich or not, but I spoke to Rob and Larry (Chambers) and they told me to definitely keep away,” said Carter.

“Like against Hendon, I will go into the ground before kick-off and then go to a pub in Witton.

“I’ll be nervous and drinking faster than usual that’s for sure. I may be able to listen to the radio tomorrow because we’re near Shropshire, but if not I will be looking at the mobile every two minutes.

“It’s crazy these superstitions we have in football. We had a local lad as mascot for Corby and then again against Hendon and hopefully again tomorrow.

“When you strike on something you have to stick with it, whether it’s wearing the same suit, sitting on the same seat on the bus, whatever.

“It probably makes no difference, but I’m willing to try anything.

“I’m not sure I would hold out if we got Leeds in the next round mind!”

A win at Blue Square North strugglers Victoria would put the Bucks into the draw for the first round proper with the likes of Leeds, Leicester and local rivals Shrewsbury Town.

He added: “It’s a day the club has been waiting for – a chance to pit our wits against a Conference team and a chance to prove ourselves. We are all very excited.

“There will 400 to 500 of our fans there. It’s an opportunity to show that we’re knocking on the door and remind people that football is alive and well in Telford.”

United are boosted by Shrewsbury’s decision to allow on-loan left-back James Meredith to play despite becoming Cup-tied.

Jon Adams is out for a fortnight with a hamstring problem, so striker Jarred Stevens returns to the bench.

“The important thing is that we don’t concede early,” said Smith. “We need to show some spirit because we want to be in that hat.”

By SEAN WOZENCROFT