Carl Rodgers eyes AFC Telford play-off milestone

Midfielder Carl Rodgers has his sights set on special celebration in AFC Telford United's play-off final with Guiseley – by sealing promotion in his 200th game for the club.

Rodgers will become the first outfield player to reach the landmark figure when he runs out for the Bucks in what is arguably their biggest match ever on Sunday.

The 28-year-old has flourished under manager Andy Sinton this season, playing in all but two games and scoring six goals.

And, having been a part of the squad that lost to Barrow in the 2008 play-off semis and Gateshead in the 2009 final, he is eager to remember his big day for the right reasons.

"It's a great game to be involved in anyway but for it to be my 200th is brilliant," said Rodgers.

"I'm coming to the end of my fifth season so I've been here a long time and it's a brilliant achievement for me.

"I know our goalkeeper Ryan Young has already got there but it will be great to be the first outfield player to get to 200.

"This is my fourth play-offs with Telford," he added.

"The first year we got promoted (from the UniBond Premier in 2007 with a win at Witton) but since then we've been unlucky. Hopefully we can do it this time."

Meanwhile, boss Andy Sinton has given his backing to Rodgers' midfield partner Phil Trainer, who is likely to return for the final after missing the second leg against Nuneaton due to a family wedding overseas.

Trainer has racked up 13 goals from the middle of the park this season but has struggled to win over some elements of the Telford fanbase.

And Sinton said: "Phil's been magnificent all season. I keep hearing one or two things said about him and that annoys me a little bit.

"He's a goalscoring midfield player and if you put a heart monitor on him and Bruno (Carl Rodgers), you'd find they cover more ground than anyone else in the team.

"I get frustrated when I hear him criticised but that's probably an overspill from last season rather than what he's done this season."