Smith's rallying call to the fans

Boss Rob Smith today issued a passionate rallying cry to the AFC Telford United supporters ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Harrogate, declaring: "Together we're formidable."

Smith believes a victory against the fellow promotion chasers from Yorkshire would all-but secure their play-off place.

He is hoping at least 2,500 Telford fans will pack into the New Bucks Head to generate a white hot atmosphere for arguably the most important game of the season.

"I wouldn't want to be going to Harrogate with 2,500 of their fans there and just 50 of ours," said Smith. "I'm happy we're at home with ours behind us and it definitely makes a difference.

"We will be giving it absolutely everything we've got on Saturday and if the supporters can do the same then together we can be pretty formidable.

"They've been behind us and we want everyone to come out for this one because it is a cup final. We want to make it as intimidating a place as we can."

The club has been busy doing everything it can this week to guarantee a big crowd for what is the final home league game of the Blue Square North campaign.

Free tickets have been distributed to every school in the borough, with the Bucks leaving no stone unturned to boost their chances as they look to end a run of four consecutive defeats.

"I think the supporters have been superb during this mini-blip," added Smith. "Our home record has been decent this season and a lot of that is down to the big crowds.

"If the fans can get in early and make a lot of noise then the players will react.

"The players have done a great job this year and this is a chance for the fans to show some appreciation and vice versa."

Skipper Jimmy Turner is unlikely to have recovered from a hamstring injury in time for Saturday's game.

But he - and long-term absentee Stuart Whitehead - could both come into the frame for the trip to Stalybridge a week later.