Boss Andy Sinton has warned AFC Telford United not to expect an easy ride when they make the trip to struggling Stockport County tonight.

The Hatters are battling to avoid a third consecutive relegation, having dropped out of the Football League at the end of last season.

But they have strengthened their squad this week with the signing of former captain Paul Turnbull and the Telford boss is expecting a battle at Edgeley Park.

“They’ve had their issues – but they have got two or three players that we certainly couldn’t afford,” said Sinton.

“There is no way we will be under-estimating them just because they are a few points below us.

“It’s going to be a battle and they’ll have been boosted by getting a point (at Braintree) on Saturday.

“Clawing two goals back in that game will have given them a lift. I know their manager Jim Gannon reasonably well and he will have them organised.”

Midfielder Richard Davies is suspended tonight as he starts a two-game ban after picking up his 10th booking of the season on Saturday.

And Bristol City loanee Marlon Jackson will also be missing, having failed to shrug off the hamstring injury he picked up training with his parent club.

“Marlon’s not fit for tonight but he’s got a reasonably good chance for Grimsby on Saturday and we just have to keep our fingers crossed,” said Sinton.

“He’s getting round-the-clock medical treatment at Bristol City and we will see him on Thursday evening to see how he is.”

Meanwhile, Sinton revealed that he had spoken with referee Wayne Barratt after Saturday’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Cambridge – a game where the visitors took the lead after the official made a baffling call for a corner.

“I spent half an hour with the referee after the game and he said he’d look at the DVD and phone me on Monday,” Sinton revealed.

“Fair play, he did do that and he admits he probably made the wrong decision.

“I have to give him credit for that.”

See also:

• Jon Adams still sees a future with AFC Telford
• Andy Sinton wants AFC Telford to see off fellow strugglers
• AFC Telford 1 Cambridge Utd 2 – Highlights