Fired-up Taylor gets call-up

Trainee firefighter Steve Taylor is set to come to AFC Telford United's rescue by deputising for goalkeeper Ryan Young in Saturday's Blue Square North trip to Hyde.Young suffered a nasty gash on his right knee in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Alfreton and has since seen it swell up badly - and boss Rob Smith is taking no chances, signing Taylor as cover.

If he is needed it will be the second time Taylor has signed as an emergency fill-in - he kept goal in the UniBond League division one play-offs in 2005 after then No 1 Stuart Brock broke his leg.

The Leegomery-based ace was on the books of Kidderminster Harriers last season, and has played in the last two reserve games for the Bucks.

"Ryan's struggling big time and he's virtually ruled out," said Smith.

"He had three stitches at half-time on Tuesday and his knee is three times the size it should be.

"He came in for treatment last night and he'll be in twice today and again tomorrow, but I don't think it will be enough.

"We're signing Steve and he will play if Ryan's not fit. Even if Ryan does make it we'll have Steve on the bench as a precaution.

"We know he won't let us down, so we've got no problem with him going in.

"It will just be a one-off, though. Steve is joining the fire service so that will be his Saturdays gone anyway."

Young's injury was caused by a challenge from Alfreton striker Danny Reet, who was booked as a result.

That infuriated Smith, who felt the challenge was every bit as bad as the one that saw Justin Marsden sent off against Gainsborough earlier in the month.

"It was a bad challenge, and Ryan's injury proves that," he added. "It could easily have been a red card."

By Chris Hudson