AFC Telford United aim to banish their recent poor form when they face Alfreton tonight, with assistant manager Larry Chambers declaring: “We need a response.”

A disappointing last week has seen the Bucks bow out of the FA Trophy with a shocking display at home to Stalybridge Celtic before going down 3-1 at Farsley Celtic on Saturday.

That last result has seen Telford drop to 11th in the Blue Square North, and Chambers knows they must improve against play-off hopefuls Alfreton.

“We need to be at it straight away and we’re looking for a massive response from the players,” he said.

“Too many players were below par on Saturday – the performances weren’t good enough and we didn’t defend very well, collectively or as individuals.

“Tonight is another difficult game and we will have to match them in terms of passion and desire.”

Alfreton have had problems of their own of late, having lost 4-1 at home to Fleetwood on Saturday in a game where they only named two substitutes.

Injury

Manager Nicky Law has now signed midfielder Steven Istead on loan from Blue Square Premier side Mansfield, while star striker Liam Hearn could be fit to return.

“I understand Nicky Law has a lot of injury problems,” added Chambers. “He’s got five or six players out and I don’t think there’s many of those back tonight.

“But he has brought one player in on loan and I know he’s been looking to get a couple more in. The XI he puts out tonight will be a good side, make no mistake about that.”

Striker Andy Brown should be fit to come back into contention for Telford, but there are doubts over two midfielders.

Loan man Gavin Hurren is struggling having turned his ankle at Farsley while Liam Blakeman, the man who came on to replace him, twisted his knee.

By Chris Hudson