Boss Rob Smith is eager to see how AFC Telford measure up when they go head-to-head with League Two big guns Port Vale tonight.

Telford launched their pre-season campaign with a 5-0 win at Market Drayton Town on Saturday, but Smith expects a very different type of game at the New Bucks Head (7.45).

Vale will be looking for their first win under new manager Micky Adams, having lost 1-0 to Midland Alliance minnows Biddulph Victoria at the weekend.

Adams, who was on the shortlist at Shrewsbury when Paul Simpson was appointed last year, only got the Vale job last month.

He is looking to turn round the fortunes of the Potteries club, who finished a disappointing 18th last season.

He has already raided former employers Brighton to sign midfielders Tommy Fraser and Doug Loft.

Bucks chief Smith believes Adams’ reputation for playing attractive football is well deserved and is predicting an entertaining encounter.

“We’re looking forward to being back at home and it will be a completely different ball game,” he said.

“At Drayton, the grass on the pitch was long and it was a physical game. I expect Port Vale to play a lot of football and be a good work-out for us.”

Telford’s new striker Matt Nolan is likely to feature for the second time, though fellow recruits Steve Torpey (ankle) and Tom Field (ligaments) remain sidelined by injury.

Youth team graduate Scott Embury featured at Drayton and could be involved again this evening, though he may still have to look further afield for regular first team football.

“Scott’s doing pre-season with us and we’ll see how he gets on,” said Smith.

“We are blessed in there with midfielders, so the chances might be limited for him, but he’s decent.”

Entrance tonight is £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for under-16s.

By CHRIS HUDSON