Keep your focus, Sinton tells AFC Telford

Boss Andy Sinton has urged AFC Telford United to keep their focus as they prepare to lock horns with old promotion rivals Alfreton Town tonight.

The Bucks have gone through a demanding first six weeks of the Blue Square Bet Premier season – facing big-name opposition including Luton, York, Stockport County and Mansfield.

They now face a run of games against some of the division's lesser lights, starting with Alfreton tonight before facing Hayes & Yeading and Barrow on successive Saturdays.

But Sinton will not allow complacency to creep in, reminding his side that it is only a few months since they lost out to Alfreton in the race for the Blue Square Bet North title.

"We've got to put in the same sort of work-rate that we did at York, Mansfield and Fleetwood," said the Telford chief.

"It's only about six months ago that we played Alfreton at home in the league below and when we beat them it was like we had won the World Cup because they were seen as the big team in our league.

"They've made a stuttering start since promotion but they've still got a good side and will be a tough game.

"There's a bit of rivalry from our history of scrapping together to get out of the league below – people can build it up as one we have to win, but for me we try to win every game."

Sinton could be tempted to name an unchanged line-up for the third consecutive game tonight, having been impressed by the performance of his side in securing away draws in testing trips to Mansfield and Fleetwood.

Meanwhile, recent signing Spencer Weir-Daley has shrugged off an ankle injury and returned to training last night.

But Sinton is still looking to add to his squad and could have a new face on board in time for Saturday's home clash with Hayes & Yeading.

By CHRIS HUDSON