Midfielder Emeka Nwadike is warning AFC Telford United to be ready for a war away at his former club Alfreton this afternoon.

The 30-year-old is well placed to tell his team-mates what to expect in the Blue Square North play-off semi-final second leg.

He was a popular figure at the Impact Arena during the middle of the decade and knows all about one of the more intimidating arenas in the non-League game.

And, while Telford travel with a healthy 2-0 lead in the locker, he expects a hostile home crowd and a scrap all the way.

“It’s definitely not an easy place to go and it’s like going into the lion’s den for away sides, really,” said Nwadike, who scored the opener in Wednesday’s crucial victory.

“We’ve just got to be big and strong and contend with whatever they’re going to throw at us. We have to to try and see out the first 20 minutes, half an hour, and go on from there.

“We’re confident, but not over-confident – there’s a long way to go yet. Football can turn around very quickly, so we have to stay on top of it and do what we need to do.”

Nwadike’s reversal in fortunes have been pretty dramatic in the second half of the season.

A peripheral figure at the New Bucks Head over the autumn, he was allowed to go out on loan to league rivals Hinckley, scoring once in 10 appearances.

“It was good to go away and get some games because I was in-and-out of the side here and I wasn’t really playing regularly,” he said.

“I went there and got a bit of confidence back, played regularly and then have come back here and had a decent run at things. I’m pleased with how its gone.”

Nwadike made 102 starts for the Reds of Alfreton and a further 24 substitute appearances on top of that during his successful spell in Derbyshire.

He won the supporters’, manager’s and players’ player of the year award in the 2006-07 season.

So it was somewhat ironic that he should be the man to send his former paymasters on the road to defeat in the first leg on Wednesday.

It was his first goal for Telford, coming in his 34th appearance for the club, and his celebrations gave away his delight.

“It was well-and-truly overdue,” said Nwadike, a former Wolves and Shrewsbury man.

“I’ve had a few chances over the months, but finally I’ve got one – and what a great day to do it.

“The second goal gives us an extra cushion but one goal for them could turn the game on its head.”