Don't fail, Sinton tells AFC Telford ahead of Guiseley clash

Remember the pain of play-off final failure and make sure it doesn't happen again.

That was the message today from determined AFC Telford United boss Andy Sinton as his side prepared for a promotion showdown with Guiseley.

A bumper crowd of almost 5,700 is expected at the New Bucks Head tomorrow (3pm), with the prize of a place in the Blue Square Bet Premier at stake.

And four of Sinton's likely starting line-up - Ryan Young, Stuart Whitehead, Carl Rodgers and Andy Brown - were all in the side beaten at the same stage by Gateshead in 2009.

Another two, Phil Trainer and Jon Adams, only missed out through suspension and injury respectively.

"I've got a few players who experienced the heartache of falling at the final hurdle two years ago," said Sinton.

"I've spoken to them over the last couple of months and I know they are using that feeling of dejection, of horribleness, as motivation.

"That might stand us in good stead because I thought our best players on Sunday were the ones who have played a number of games for the club."

Telford are trying to complete a remarkable return to the top tier of non-League football just seven years after the old club went bust.

Sinton himself says that winning promotion with the Bucks would match his best achievements as a player — including winning 12 England caps and a Wembley cup final.

"As a player I was a member of a Tottenham side that won the League Cup at Wembley and I still remember it as if it was yesterday — running around the pitch, singing songs with the fans and making a complete fool of myself in the after-match celebrations," he said.

"But for me personally, getting promotion with Telford would rank up there with that or playing for England.

"I'm already very proud of what we have achieved this season but we still have one final push to go."

By CHRIS HUDSON