Eastwood wrangle gives AFC Telford a play-off boost

AFC Telford United's push for promotion took an unexpected twist today - with potential rivals Eastwood Town ruled ineligible for the play-offs.

The Badgers have won 13 of their last 14 Blue Square Bet North games - with one draw at Telford - and their 4-2 victory over champions-elect Alfreton last night lifted them into the top five for the first time.

But they have now been told by Conference officials that they can not take part in the play-offs because of ground issues - and have appealed.

Eastwood chairman Tony Minnis said: "There are a couple of minor issues with the ground for the play-offs which we have only just received notification of.

"We have told the players the situation and it is now in the hands of the FA, who will put it through their appeals procedure," he added.

"The frustrating thing is that if a club in our situation were to go up as champions, there wouldn't be a problem. This issue only arises because of the play-offs."

Should Eastwood finish in the top five but fail in their appeal, the team which finishes sixth will take their place.

But chairman Lee Carter insists it will make no difference to the way the Bucks approach the run-in.

"The most dangerous thing you can do is try and contrive who you play in the play-offs," he said.

"Our attitude is that whoever we play, whatever they have done in the past is irrelevant.

"Whatever has gone on (with Eastwood's ground) is nothing to do with us," he added.

"We've seen a lot of activity going on with people in contention for the play-offs lately and I know Nuneaton have thrown up a new stand in something like 33 days.

"We look after ourselves and we spend tens of thousands of pounds every year to make sure we adhere to the rules."

Meanwhile, Carter revealed that talks to extend manager Andy Sinton's contract are going well.

"He's gone to think about a few things and I'm sure the forms will be signed by the end of the season."

By CHRIS HUDSON