Defender-turned-winger Sean Newton has urged AFC Telford United to seize the initiative in their festive double-header with Wrexham.

The Bucks play host to the Blue Square Bet Premier leaders in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd on Boxing Day before heading to the Racecourse for the return fixture on January 1.

And Newton – who has successfully been transformed from England C full-back to marauding wide man – insists Telford have no reason to be afraid.

“We’ve played a lot of the big teams in this division and we have looked like a good side against most of them,” he said.

“With the first game being at home then we’ll be looking for the win – anything we get after that in the away game would be a bonus.

“If we can get the win at home then it puts them on the back foot for the second game.

“We’ve been told they’re bringing about 1,200 fans on Boxing Day and I think the atmosphere’s going to be bouncing. We can’t wait.”

Newton has been asked by manager Andy Sinton to operate on the left of midfield in recent weeks, mainly as part of a 4-5-1 formation.

And it is a role in which he has largely been successful, with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Braintree being the first time he has finished on the losing side when playing the whole game in that position.

“I’m still getting used to it,” said Newton.

“I’m used to just sitting and being close to Shane (Killock) but now I’m getting told to run past forwards.

“It was a bit hard at first but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it and it’s been working pretty well.

“We’ve looked solid and we’ve got players like Phil Trainer and Nathan Rooney capable of making good forward runs.”

See also:

• Andy Sinton plays Scrooge as AFC Telford gear up
• AFC Telford boss Sinton fuming at costly decision
• Blog: AFC Telford need to see off the lesser teams