Bucks told to be ready for Stafford Rangers clash

Boss Andy Sinton will tonight tell AFC Telford United to ignore the dire forecasts and assume the Boxing Day clash at Stafford Rangers is on.

The Bucks gather for training tonight as they prepare for a return to Blue Square Bet North action after Saturday's scheduled game at home to Eastwood was snowed off.

With temperatures barely predicted to reach 0c before the weekend, the prospects for Sunday's festive cracker at Marston Road must be bleak.

But Sinton is eager to ensure his players have their minds on the job should there be an easing in the conditions.

"We've got to assume it's on and we've got to train like it's on," said Sinton.

"The preparation has got to be like it's on and that is what I will be impressing on the players.

"As we missed out on Saturday we'll have a longer and harder session tonight and we'll be ready for Stafford."

Telford could have been going into the Christmas period as the league leaders had they managed to play and win the Eastwood game on Saturday.

Psychologically

Sinton has been delighted by the success his team has enjoyed so far but insists no-one is getting carried away by their results to-date.

"The season is not even halfway," he added.

"Psychologically it would have been nice to be top going into Christmas, even though a couple of teams would have had games in hand.

"But hopefully that will come at some point over the coming months.

"We've had a great start and we couldn't have asked for any more really, I'm absolutely delighted with the progress the club has made.

"But it's important we keep focused, that we keep our eye on the ball — that we know where we want to go and how we're going to get there."

By CHRIS HUDSON