AFC Telford United boss speaks ahead of crucial promotion race clash

The Bucks enjoyed a hard-fought 3-1 win at fellow promotion-chasers Stamford on Saturday, battling injury and illness issues to come from behind to take all three points in Lincolnshire.

Tonight looks set to be Telford’s toughest test yet against a Kettering side on a seven-game winning streak in the Southern Central Premier, as well as the second round of the FA Cup following their 2-1 win over local rivals Northampton Town.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Wilkin said: “We’re hoping for another good crowd, especially as Kettering themselves are a well-supported club.

“It should be an attractive game between two ambitious clubs. It’s first vs third and two teams that are in reasonable form, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The Poppies have made some eye-catching signings this season, attracting no less than three former-Premier League strikers to the club.

Controversial ex-Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger is Kettering’s joint top scorer, while former Norwich City and Celtic man Gary Hooper and ex-Bolton Wanderers forward Marvin Sordell are also options for Richard Lavery to pick from.

“There has been strong money invested there which has allowed them to go out and bring in some high quality and proven players,” Wilkin said. “Credit to them, they’re a very different squad to what we faced last season and are enjoying a really consistent season.”

He continued: “It’s going to be a really tough game for us, but we want to be playing in these big games and hopefully we can come out on the positive side.

“I think when you look at their squad of players it gives you a bit more of an understanding about where we’re at and what we’re up against in this league.

“You always need to take a measured view of the opposition that you’re up against, and Kettering have a lot of players that have done a lot during their careers.”

While the outcome of Saturday's game at Stamford was a crucial three points, Telford suffered further injury woe early into the game.

Right-back Ellis Myles was withdrawn from the action after 10 minutes, replaced by utility man Jordan Piggott, who himself had been absent from training in the week due to illness.

With Steffan Jones and Ellis Brown also missing from the matchday squad, Wilkin admitted his side are down to the bare bones once again.

“Ellis has opened up his knee joint so we’re expecting it to be a medial ligament issue,” he revealed. “It’s probably a little bit early to say, but it’s not good. Hopefully it won’t be too bad, and we’ll leave him for a while to settle down before we decide where he is.”

“We want Steff to get out there and play, and the fact he hasn’t been able to back up what he did at Mickleover due to injury is frustrating.

“Ellis won’t have any chance, and we’re going to have to wait on Steff.”