Boss Rob Smith is calling for cool heads as AFC Telford United go gunning for promotion in the Blue Square North play-offs tonight (7.45pm).

Telford entertain Alfreton Town in a semi-final first leg clash, with a large and passionate crowd expected at the New Bucks Head.

The Bucks are aiming to take an advantage to Derbyshire for the second leg on Sunday, as they look to set up a promotion shoot-out against either Gateshead or Southport

Smith’s side have already hosted Southend in the FA Cup and York in an FA Trophy semi-final this season, but he believes the prize at stake in the play-offs makes this the biggest yet, even if it is not win-or-bust.

“This is the biggest game of the season – it’s what we’ve been striving to achieve for a long time,” he said.

“The key is that we don’t fall into the trap that everything is about tonight – this tie will be won and lost in the second leg.

“Our focus will be on that second leg on Sunday. If we can get something tonight to take there then great, but if not then it is not over.”

Alfreton certainly arrive at the New Bucks Head as the team to beat in the Blue Square North.

They lost just twice away from home all season in the league and finished their campaign on a 13-game unbeaten run.

They played out a goalless draw at Telford back in August and followed that up with a 3-1 win at their own ground, The Impact Arena, on Easter Monday.

“They’re in a rich vein of form and they’ve got a lot of experience,” said Smith.

“I would think that if you offered Nicky Law (the Alfreton boss) the draw right now he’d probably take it in an away leg, but I’m sure they will be positive.”

Telford are close to full strength for tonight’s clash, with James Meredith set to return at left-back despite breaking his nose against Burscough last week.

Midfielder Jon Adams (hamstring) and striker Andy Brown (knee) will face pre-match fitness tests before any decision is taken on their availability.

Away goals do not count double in the play-off matches.

By CHRIS HUDSON