Boss Rob Smith is backing AFC Telford United to use tomorrow’s FA Cup clash with Pegasus Juniors as a catalyst for an upturn in form.

The Bucks host the Hellenic League minnows in what promises to be an intriguing second qualifying round encounter.

Telford start as clear favourites against a side who play three levels lower, though the Herefordshire outfit served notice of their potential with a stunning 4-1 win away at Hednesford in the last round.

Smith is certainly not taking the tie for granted given the Bucks’ recent patchy form, but believes the FA Cup could prove a turning point.

He is particularly hopeful that out-of-sorts striker Danny Carey-Bertram – still looking for his first goal of the season – could benefit as midfielder Carl Rodgers did last term.

“In the Southend game at home last year Carl Rodgers came on as a sub and it sparked his form and it sparked us into an unbelievable run,” he said.

“I’m hoping that it could maybe do the same for Danny Carey-Bertram, that he could get a goal and it sparks him into some form. Sometimes the cups can do that for you.

“Danny will play tomorrow. He’s worked really hard this week and you don’t lose your goalscoring ability overnight.

“I’m confident he’ll get plenty of opportunities, and hopefully he will take some of them.”

Smith watched Pegasus in a 1-1 draw at Highworth, while his club scout saw them go down 3-2 at home to Walsall Wood in the FA Vase last Saturday.

But the Bucks boss has warned supporters not to read too much into those results, citing their FA Cup victories at Willenhall and Hednesford as evidence.

“They come to decent grounds and raise their game,” he said. “I went to watch them at Highworth and it wouldn’t have inspired me playing there that night.

“But they will come to the New Bucks Head and they’ll be giving more than they normally give, I would imagine.”

• Entry tomorrow is £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for under-16s. Supporters will be segregated, with up to 100 fans expected from Herefordshire.

By CHRIS HUDSON