Boss Rob Smith is urging AFC Telford United fans to dig deep into their Christmas funds and turn out in force for tomorrow’s crunch clash with Stalybridge Celtic.

Smith was delighted by the crowd of more than 3,500 that flocked to the New Bucks Head for the 1-0 victory over Southport a fortnight ago.

More than 1,000 of those were made up of local schoolchildren who were handed tickets, but the Telford boss hopes they enjoyed what they saw enough to want to come back.

And the game could prove significant for the Bucks, with a win potentially enough to send them top of the Blue Square North if Tamworth and Southport drop points elsewhere.

“The atmosphere against Southport was absolutely brilliant,” said Smith, speaking from Hamburg, where he has been on a midweek break.

“I know it’s the last Saturday before Christmas tomorrow and it’s an expensive time, but I really hope we can get as many down there as possible, and I believe it will be a superb game.

“Stalybridge are the best attacking team in the division, without a shadow of a doubt. They basically play four up front and their manager Steve Burr doesn’t compromise, so he will do exactly the same here.

“But we haven’t lost at home so we must be doing something right. If we can keep a clean sheet then I think we will win the game.”

By CHRIS HUDSON