AFC Telford United were today warned to prepare for a Blyth battle as they gear up for the longest trip of the Blue Square North campaign.

The Bucks make their second trip to Blyth Spartans this season – they drew 0-0 in the FA Cup – seeking maximum points to remain in touch with the pack chasing a place in the play-offs.

But assistant manager Larry Chambers is aware his side will have to dig deep into their reserves to secure the result they want.

“You always look out for Blyth away when the fixtures come out because, along with Workington, it’s one of the worst of the season in terms of the distance you have to travel and the conditions you face,” said Chambers.

“But we know we what to expect and we need to go up there and get the job done.

“We showed good character at Harrogate last week, and I thought we did on Tuesday in the second half at Northwich when we gave it a go from 2-0 down, without ever creating too much.

“We are going to need the same character tomorrow.”

Telford begin the weekend in seventh place in the table, a point behind Droylsden in fifth but having played three games more.

But Chambers knows there are plenty of twists and turns to come during the promotion run-in.

“The big thing about this league this season is the unpredictability and it’s been like that from day one,” he added. “Who would have thought that Gainsborough would have beaten Fleetwood last week?

Forward Steve Thompson misses out tomorrow with a hamstring problem, but winger Sean Evans is bac after a brief loan spell at his former club Stourbridge.

By JAMES GARRISON