Boss Rob Smith saw AFC Telford United set-up a Blue Square North play-off final at Gateshead, and insisted: “We’ll win promotion the hard way.”

The Bucks must travel to the Tyneside club’s International Stadium on Friday evening to play for a place in the top flight of non-League football.

They booked their spot after a titanic struggle against Alfreton in the play-offs – winning 5-4 on aggregate despite losing 4-3 in yesterday’s second leg at the Impact Arena.

It will bring the curtain down on a gruelling season that has already seen them play 65 games in all competitions.

“We’ve had to do everything the hard way so far, so we might as well go and finish it off that way as well,” said a determined Smith today.

“I think it might have been written in the stars that we would have to go to Gateshead for the final.

“It’s a pity for the supporters that some won’t be able to get there for such an occasion, but I’ve got a feeling we’ll take around 500 up there, even on a Friday night.

“It seems a bit crazy having to go all the way up there on a week night for a final, but we’ve known about the possibility for a while and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Telford were made to work for their place in the final yesterday, having gone to Alfreton with a 2-0 lead from the first leg at the New Bucks Head last Wednesday.

That advantage was wiped out with two goals from the hosts inside the first 16 minutes.

Goals from Danny Edwards and Danny Carey-Bertram drew them level on the day before half-time, only for the Reds to score again.

Carl Rodgers netted another equaliser but there was one further twist as Alfreton scored from the penalty spot to set up a nervy finish.

Exhausted

“It was really quiet on the journey back – everyone was completely exhausted, to be honest, and I’ve never know the coach so quiet,” added Smith.

“We’d all been through that much emotion that it really wasn’t a time for celebrating. It was a bruising encounter and I hated every minute of it. Everything we’d said beforehand went out of the window, but we did it somehow.”

Smith also had special praise for the incredible away support that followed the Bucks to Derbyshire yesterday, with 1,109 away fans packed behind one goal.

“They were sensational,” said the Telford chief. “They were phenomenal all game and that helped us over the line on the day.

“There was no negativity at all, even when we went 2-0 down. I think they were shell-shocked but they got behind us.”

l Friday’s final, which will kick off at 7.45pm, will not be all-ticket.

No travel times have yet been confirmed, but the club have taken the decision to offer coach places for just £5 as a thank you for the support this season. Bookings on 01952-640064 or 07966-935534.