Boss Rob Smith is backing AFC Telford United to confirm their Blue Square North play-off place tomorrow, and insisted: “We won’t fear anyone once we get there.”

The Bucks drew 1-1 at promotion rivals Southport on Saturday and can seal their spot by beating Burscough at home tomorrow evening.

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It was the manner of the performance that particularly pleased the manager though, and he was in bullish mood as he assessed their prospects.

“We know what we’ve got to do tomorrow – we’ve got to win the game then we will be mathematically safe in the play-offs and it’s job done,” said Smith. “I’ve said all along that I don’t care who we get, I would fancy us against anyone.

“I think it will be Gateshead and I’ve thought that for a while. They beat Farsley on Saturday and they’ve got Hucknall (who are already relegated) in their last game so they should finish second.”

Telford were missing injured trio Stuart Whitehead, Jon Adams and Andy Brown, as well as the suspended Lee Vaughan at Southport.

But they put in a strong showing, earning a point when Phil Trainer – playing as a makeshift striker – headed in a second half equaliser.

“It’s a tough place to come and everyone knows that, but I thought it was nothing short of what we deserved,” added Smith.

“I thought Phil Trainer was outstanding up front and he’s given me another option there. It’s a great point for us, and any ambitions Southport had of winning the league have been blown out of the water.”

l Telford may not yet know which division they will be in next season, but they are already starting to arrange their pre-season schedule.

The Bucks will entertain Welsh Premier League runners-up Llanelli on Saturday, August 1.

They are also in talks over a possible short July tour in Cornwall, though – contrary to reports elsewhere – nothing has yet been confirmed.