Boss Andy Sinton believes AFC Telford United’s battle to beat the drop will not be affected by their New Year’s Day trip to Wrexham – insisting victory would be a “massive bonus”.

Telford lost 2-0 at home to the Dragons on Boxing Day and now head to the Racecourse fixture for the return fixture on Sunday.

But despite being sucked closer to the Blue Square Bet Premier’s relegation zone, Sinton is not panicking and is adamant that the games against the sides around them will be more telling.

“As a manager you never look on it as a free game, but if we pick up three points against Wrexham on New Year’s Day that will be a massive bonus,” said Sinton.

“But really the crux of where our season lies is against the Ketterings, the Stockports and the Alfretons – and we do have those sort of games coming up reasonably quickly.

“We’re in there battling, we’re in with a shout and we’ll keep having a go.”

Sinton will also spend training this week building his players’ confidence for a quick return clash with their Christmas conquerors.

The Telford chief believes Wrexham are worthy leaders of the division but insists his side should have nothing to fear from their foray into Wales.

“I’ve got every ounce of respect for Wrexham and I know their staff,” said Sinton.

“I give them every credit and you can see why they are top of the league – they get it into areas where they use their strength and their size and they peg you back.

“I wouldn’t say they are the best footballing team in the world but they are on top of the league on merit and they are going to take some shifting.”