AFC Telford United have been challenged to issue an instant response at Harrogate Town tonight – after being knocked off the top of the Blue Square Bet North.

The Bucks dropped to second spot as a result of Alfreton’s 2-0 win over Solihull Moors last night.

Alfreton – who are in action again tomorrow night away at Corby – have replaced Telford as league leaders on goal difference, and still have two games in hand.

“We’ve got eight cup finals to go and for me it is very much Alfreton’s to lose,” said Bucks boss Andy Sinton.

“They’ve gone back top and if they win their games in hand then they will pull away.

“But we’ve got 24 points left to play for and we’ll be gunning for all 24.

“If we can get the job done tonight then the ball is back in their court for tomorrow, but we can’t spend any time worrying about what is happening down the road.

“All we can do is worry about ourselves.

“We’ve been playing reasonably well and getting results which, at this stage, is the main thing.”

Harrogate go into tonight’s game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run and with confidence boosted by a 3-0 win over Gloucester City on Saturday.

Striker Chib Chilaka was their hero in that one, with an eye-catching hat-trick for the Yorkshire side.

But the Nigerian hitman will not be troubling the Telford defenders having returned to parent club Bradford City after a loan.

The Bucks are sweating on the fitness of striker Adam Proudlock, who was forced to limp off in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic with a hamstring injury.

But midfielder Phil Trainer has been declared fit after taking a knock to his knee.

By CHRIS HUDSON