Telford defender Gav Cowan jumps with Tamworth's Des Lyttle

Defender Gavin Cowan has urged AFC Telford United to forget Wembley for now – and focus on getting their title challenge back on track.

The Bucks travel to Hyde United tomorrow and are desperate to close the gap on Blue Square North leaders Gateshead, who are eight points ahead.

Confidence is understandably high after the FA Trophy victory at Southport that set-up a two-legged semi-final with York.

But Cowan does not want that to become a distraction to what is still their No 1 goal.

It’s a time to be professional,” said the imposing centre-back. “The league is our bread and butter and our aim is to get promoted. We’ve got to get our minds fully focussed on getting the job done.

“They beat us at our place and we didn’t play particularly brilliant that day – we definitely felt uncomfortable, but I think we’ve come out of that sticky patch now.

“We’re in the kind of mindset where we expect to go anywhere and get a result and, if we apply ourselves, there should only be one winner.”

Cowan will be involved in one of the most intriguing clashes of the day as he tries to contain the free-scoring Chris Simm, who is among the division’s top scorers with 16.

“I enjoy playing against him – he’s strong and I relish the battle,” added Cowan.

“He knows where the goal is but I thrive on playing against players like that.”

Cowan also took time out to send his best wishes to midfielder Jamie Vermiglio, who faces a fight to save his career after being diagnosed with a broken back.

Vermiglio is suffering nerve damage in his legs as a result of a slipped disc caused by the stress fracture and has been told to retire by a specialist. “He’s going to see another specialist and I’m just hoping and praying he gets a different verdict,” said Cowan.

“He’s great around the changing room and he’s a great player – he’s the whole package for me and to lose him would be devastating.

“Mentally, as much as physically, he was so courageous to play on Tuesday. To know that at any time he could have serious problems and still to go out there speaks volumes for the man.”

By CHRIS HUDSON