Boss Rob Smith wants AFC Telford United to burst through the Blue Square North finishing line tonight – and book their place in the promotion play-offs.

Victory over Burscough at the New Bucks Head would confirm their spot, and they would not even need that if Droylsden fail to win in their game at Stalybridge Celtic.

But Smith is refusing to be distracted by results elsewhere, and wants players and fans alike to concentrate on the job in hand.

“The finishing line is there for all to see tonight and it would be great if we can do it and then give a few players a rest for the Tamworth game on Saturday,” he said.

“That’s what we’ve been aiming for, for the last three or four weeks.

“It can all be done and dusted if we win, and we might not even need that if Droylsden don’t – though we’ve just got to look after ourselves.

“I hope everyone can come out and help us get over the line.

“It’s been a long, hard month and we’ve all been in it together.”

Smith is also insisting Burscough will not prove a pushover this evening, despite knowing they will finish in the division’s bottom three.

“I don’t think they’re definitely relegated yet because, if they can come third from bottom, they may get a reprieve with Team Bath having resigned from the Blue Square South,” he added.

“They’ve got nothing to lose really, and that makes them a dangerous animal, but if we play like we did on Saturday (in the 1-1 draw at Southport) we should be okay.”

Right-back Lee Vaughan returns to the Bucks’ squad tonight after completing a two-match suspension, but loan striker Ricky Sappleton is still missing, having been diagnosed with mumps.

By CHRIS HUDSON