Go out and show no fear – that is the message to AFC Telford United on the eve of their big FA Cup showdown with Southend United.

A bumper crowd of around 4,500 is expected to swell the stands of the New Bucks Head tomorrow (3pm) for the eagerly-anticipated first round tie.

It is the first time Telford have reached this stage since the club was reformed in 2004 and, though the League One visitors will start as overwhelming favourites, assistant manager Larry Chambers insists a shock is not out of the question.

“I’m not going to pretend it’s just another game because it’s not just another game – it’s the first round of the FA Cup – but we just want to keep things as normal as possible,” he declared. “We always think we can win every game, we really do, and this one will be no different in that respect.

“The squad this year is strong in terms of its quality, and in the last four or five games players have been playing to their potential.

“If we can keep them quiet for the first 20 or 25 minutes then you never know what can happen. We’re not going to fear them.”

Telford have had Southend watched, and the management team have also tapped up their extensive list of contacts to get further reports on the Football League outfit.

That has left them in no doubt that they are in for a tough afternoon, and they are calling on the home crowd to play their part.

“I’m expecting an organised side, a side that’s fit. That’s what you get with their manager Steve Tilson, who’s a winner,” said Chambers.

“Whatever happens, whether we keep it 0-0 or whether we goal goal behind, I think the crowd have got a massive part to play.

“If we can keep it quiet for the first 20 minutes and they get behind us, then they can be our 12th man.”

Telford have no fresh injury worries ahead the game. Striker Jarred Stevens will again turn out for Rushall instead of sitting on the Bucks bench, while midfielder Emeka Nwadike has joined Hinckley on loan.

• Fans attending the game will be given a voucher entitling them to a discount to next Saturday’s Blue Square North clash with Gateshead. Adults can get a £3 reduction and concessions £2.

By CHRIS HUDSON