Assistant boss Darren Read is relishing AFC Telford United’s big Blue Square Bet North showdown with “dark horses” Guiseley tomorrow.

The Yorkshire side have settled in superbly at the second tier of non-League football, having won promotion from the UniBond League last term.

Like Telford, they have lost just once this season and currently sit five points above the Bucks having played one game more.

A bumper crowd is expected for tomorrow’s clash, with Telford issuing more than 1,200 tickets to local schools as part of the ‘Turn The Stadium Blue Day’ in honour of long-standing sponsors Capgemini.

And Read expects Steve Kittrick’s Guiseley side to ensure those fans are treated to a thrilling contest between two promotion contenders. “They are one of the dark horses and we have got to keep an eye on them,” said Read.

“All the noise has been about Alfreton and Boston and the great starts they have made, but Guiseley have just snuck up and stayed under the radar.

“They’ve just got on with the job, a bit like ourselves, and it will be a big test for us to pit our wits against them.”

Telford boss Andy Sinton has a welcome selection headache, with a near clean bill of health going into the game.

Striker Andy Brown made his comeback in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Corby in the FA Trophy while a number of other players have also shrugged off minor niggles.

The Bucks’ squad could be further boosted by the imminent return to action of striker Alex Meechan.

He has been laid up with a mystery back injury in recent weeks but is now back in training — though tomorrow’s game may come too soon.

“Alex is making a rapid recovery and is looking good,” added Read.

“But he probably won’t be ready for this weekend.”

By CHRIS HUDSON