Sinton urges AFC Telford fans to raise the roof

Boss Andy Sinton has urged AFC Telford United's fans to raise the roof as top flight non-League football returns to the New Bucks Head tonight.

The Bucks play host to Lincoln City after away games at Cambridge and York, having seen their scheduled Blue Square Bet Premier opener at home to Luton Town postponed on safety grounds.

Optimism is sky-high after Saturday's stunning 1-0 win at much-fancied York and Sinton is keen to follow up against newly-relegated Lincoln.

"It will be a fantastic occasion," said Sinton. "Saturday's result will hopefully put a few more on the gate and I'd urge Telford supporters to come in numbers and make it a hostile night for the opposition.

"We're going to need every supporting voice we can get – it's important the crowd stay with the team and they can play a big part throughout the season.

"As a squad and management team, we have to keep our heads, put all the emotion to one side and focus on the job in hand.

"All the pressure is on Lincoln – just over three months ago they were a League club and I'm sure they are keen to get back as soon as possible."

Summer signing Jordan Johnson is the only definite absentee for the Bucks due to a thigh injury.

Striker Adam Proudlock and midfielder Carl Rodgers are back in training but are short of match fitness and unlikely to feature tonight.

Lincoln's side is likely to include ex-Buck Kyle Perry who, with 32 goals, is second only to Andy Brown in the club's all-time goalscorers list.

Imps boss Steve Tilson has also completed a deal to sign French midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe, who previously played under him at Southend.

Christophe needs no introduction to Telford fans, having scored the injury-time equaliser that denied the Bucks a famous FA Cup victory against Southend back in November 2008.

But his involvement tonight is dependent on international clearance coming through in time.

By CHRIS HUDSON