AFC Telford United were today stepping up the search for new recruits after a fresh injury setback tempered a fine evening in the FA Trophy.

The Shropshire side thrashed Hayes & Yeading United of the Blue Square South 4-0 at the New Bucks Head last night to set up a trip to Kettering or Tiverton in the last 16 on January 31.

Those two clubs replay tonight at Kettering’s A-Line Arena.

But Telford’s joy at their crushing victory was somewhat dampened by a late gash to midfielder Carl Rodgers’ knee, and assistant manager Larry Chambers admitted today they are eager to reinforce their threadbare squad.

“We were hoping to bring someone in anyway, but the fact that we haven’t got Carl for a few games now makes it even more important,” said Chambers.

“Myself and Rob (Smith, the manager) will be talking to one or two people and hopefully we can bring someone in before Saturday’s home game with Hyde.

“Carl’s got an horrific cut – it’s probably a good six to eight inches long and a good inch deep,” added Chambers.

“It’s in the quad muscle just above the knee and the doctor’s said he’s never seen anything like it. It’s a terrible wound and he’ll have to have a lot of stitches.

“We don’t really know how long he will be out at this stage, but it could be anything from two to four weeks.”

The Bucks’ safe passage into the third round was secured with two first half goals from Andy Brown and later strikes from Rodgers and Danny Carey-Bertram.

Brown now has 15 goals in all competitions this season, putting him one ahead of Terry Fearns, while Carey-Bertram took his tally to 10 from just eight starts and five substitute appearances.

“I think that the fact that we got two quick goals (inside 12 minutes) last night made a massive difference,” said Chambers.

“We didn’t give them a lot of space or a lot of time and we took our chances early on, which set the tone of the game.

“We’re in the last 16, which is a great achievement. 

“I still don’t think the performance was great but we were efficient, workmanlike and professional.”

By CHRIS HUDSON