Boss Rob Smith has has hit out at the “ridiculous” set-up of the Setanta Shield – as AFC Telford United prepare for up to SIX consecutive away games.

The Bucks have been draw away to Barrow or Southport in the northern area final of the Conference’s league cup competition.

But it is the set-up of the national final that has really got Smith’s blood boiling, with home advantage going to whichever side is highest in the league at the time of the area finals.

With all three sides still standing in the southern half coming from the Blue Square Premier, that means Telford would be guaranteed an away game should they make it to the final, which will be screened live on Setanta on March 5.

“We can’t moan about being drawn away for the semi-final because we’ve been lucky to get home draws in every round up to now,” Smith admitted.

“But what they’re doing for the final is ridiculous – how a cup final can’t be on neutral territory, or at least played over two legs home and away, I don’t know.

“They expect to take this competition seriously and even bring in rules forcing us to play 10 of the 16 from the squad from the last league game, then they come up with decisions like this. It’s just stupid.

“The final will not be a level playing field and that makes no sense at all – you can see why so many teams are happy to go out early in this competition, especially when they’re going for promotion.”

Meanwhile, Smith is preparing his side for a Blue Square North trip to Fleetwood at the start of a long month on the road.

They are not scheduled to play at the New Bucks Head again before the visit of Harrogate Town on February 21.

“We’re going to need to show real mental toughness now, because we need to stay in touch with the leaders over this period if we’ve got any chance,” added Smith.

By CHRIS HUDSON