AFC Telford United were today gearing up for a crucial Christmas period, with assistant manager Larry Chambers admitting his side has little margin for error.

The Bucks reach the midway point of their season on Saturday when they entertain Stafford Rangers in a Boxing Day derby before making the trip to Hinckley on Monday.

A hectic festive spell ends with the return at Stafford on New Year’s Day.

And, with Telford five points adrift of the final play-off position occupied by Stalybridge – who have three games in hand – Chambers concedes every slip now will be costly.

“We are not setting targets for what we want over the Christmas period,” said Chambers.

“With having to play catch-up over the last three months, we know we can’t afford to lose too many more games and we can’t afford to draw too many home games.

“We need to be winning our home games but we know Stafford will be tough.

“I have seen them a couple of times over the last month and they are a decent, hard-working side.

“We haven’t had a game for nearly two weeks and that’s not been ideal because after the result (a 3-1 defeat) and performance like we had at Redditch, you want to get it out of your system quickly.

“We haven’t been able to do that with Saturday’s game (at Northwich) being called off so hopefully the lads will be gagging for a game come Boxing Day.”

The Bucks have no fresh injury worries as they face up to two games in 48 hours, with on-loan Shrewsbury striker Andre Gray and key midfielder Carl Rodgers both overcoming recent injury problems.

Gavin Cowan misses Saturday’s game through suspension but is available for Monday, while Danny Edwards and Danny Carey-Bertram remain out on loan at Halesowen and Worcester respectively until the end of the month.

By JAMES GARRISON