Sinton seeks crucial AFC Telford victory in title chase

Boss Andy Sinton has thrown down the gauntlet to AFC Telford United for tonight's crunch clash at home to Alfreton, insisting: "We must be at our best."

Alfreton arrive at the New Bucks Head lying second in the Blue Square Bet North, seven points behind leaders Nuneaton but with eight games in hand.

They also boast a formidable unbeaten away record, having won all of their first seven league games on the road before finally dropping points in a 0-0 draw at Workington earlier this month.

"We're going to have to be at our best," said Sinton. "We'll have to defend well, move the ball well and find a bit of a cutting edge.

"There are some games where you can get through playing at 60 or 70 per cent of your full capability but I don't think that will do tonight.

We'll throw the gauntlet down to the players to show what a good side they are and I am quietly confident.

"Alfreton are very much in the driving seat in the league but we can't do anything about that and we will just be setting out to win the game," he added.

"It's a game between two teams who are right up there and it's one to whet the appetite but it's important we don't over-play it.

"I wouldn't say we've got to win it and we won't really know how important the outcome is for another six weeks or so."

Sinton is without defender Liam Murray, who continues to be troubled by a rib injury, while forward James Lawrie is still sidelined by an ankle knock.

But the Telford chief's two most recent loan signings are likely to be involved in the matchday squad tonight.

Goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, from Wolves, could get the nod to stand in for the suspended Ryan Young.

And centre-back Mark Preece - signed for a month from Mansfield to cover Murray's absence - is likely to start on the bench.

By Chris Hudson