AFC Telford set for Blyth Spartans clash

AFC Telford United are aiming to extend their 11-game unbeaten run at Blyth Spartans tonight, with boss Andy Sinton insisting: "We've earned respect."

The Bucks won six in a row after going down 4-2 to Solihull Moors in October - a game that remains their only league defeat of the Blue Square Bet North season.

They started 2011 with back-to-back 0-0 draws but have won twice since then - including Saturday's 1-0 FA Trophy victory over Eastwood to set up a last 16 clash at home to Darlington.

Telford are still to concede in the New Year and would return to second in the table if they win at Croft Park this evening and Nuneaton drop points away at Gainsborough.

"Blyth will know our strengths," said Sinton.

"Teams know Telford have got a little bit of backbone about them. They know Telford have got players who can create and score.

"Any side that's putting a run together like we are doing at the moment will get the utmost respect.

"Teams are saying a lot of nice things about us, I hear that on the grapevine, and we've all earned that.

"But we are only halfway through the season and we know there is a lot of hard work still to be done."

Tonight represents a midweek round trip of 490 miles for the Bucks, the game having been postponed due to snow on December 4.

But Sinton insisted: "We won't win, lose or draw the game because of the long journey.

"We will win, lose or draw the game because of what we do out on the pitch."

Telford can call upon loan winger Lee Smith tonight, the Forest Green man having missed the Eastwood clash as he was cup-tied.

Smith could have a part to play as well, having scored a hat-trick at Blyth last season while on the books of Gloucester City.

By CHRIS HUDSON