Key defender Gavin Cowan is facing a race against time to be fit for AFC Telford United’s crunch play-off second leg at Alfreton on Sunday.

Cowan sustained a thigh injury during Wednesday’s first leg as the Bucks opened up a 2-0 advantage.

The former Shrewsbury Town man was an integral part of an excellent defensive display from the Bucks and has now emerged as a major doubt for the return.

But boss Rob Smith is clinging to the hope that Cowan has enough time to recover for the trip to Derbyshire.

“At this stage, I would say Gavin has about a 50-50 chance of being fit,” said the Bucks boss.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he is not ready because we never do things the easy way but hopefully he will have enough time to recover.”

One man who will certainly miss Sunday is Jon Adams who is hoping to recover in time to be available for the final, if Telford reach it.

Meanwhile, Bucks officials were today anxiously awaiting news of their appeal over the sending off of Phil Trainer on Wednesday.

The on-loan winger was dismissed for an alleged head-butt on Alfreton right back Matthew Wilson.

That has been contested by Telford and a decision on whether the sending-off will be over-turned was expected later today.

“We had a look at the video evidence and it confirmed what we thought originally which is that it is not like Phil at all,” added Smith. “He is one of the softest guys on the planet so we have put together an appeal and now we will just have to wait and see.”

Telford look set to be backed by a massive support in the East Midlands as they bid to secure a place in the play-off final.

Five coaches, which are leaving the New Bucks Head at 12 noon, have already been filled and bookings are continuing to be taken.

Seats are £8.50 and places can be booked by calling the club office on 01952-640064 or Rob Palin on 07966-935534.