AFC Telford get set to take on Barrow

If things had worked out differently Barrow winger Jack Mackreth could have been pulling on an AFC Telford shirt at Holker Street tomorrow.

The 19-year-old came to the Bucks for a summer trial after his release by League One side Tranmere and was on the scoresheet in a 7-2 friendly victory at Ellesmere Rangers.

But that early promise was not enough for manager Andy Sinton, who opted not to follow up his early interest.

Mackreth has managed to establish himself at Blue Square Bet Premier level however, making 13 appearances for Barrow so far and breaking his scoring duck in their 5-1 defeat at Luton last Saturday.

"I'd been dying to get that first goal," he admitted.

"I've had a few good chances in previous games, but it takes that pressure off me now and gives me that bit more confidence.

"Hopefully I can push on now and get a few more."

Reflecting on the eventual result, he added: "Luton are a good team, with a big set-up and a big budget, and we would have taken 1-1, but to get beat 5-1 was very disappointing.

"We have to put it behind us and look ahead to the next game tomorrow and hopefully get three points."

Barrow's joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan have improved squad options tomorrow, with Gavin Skelton and Paul Smith returning from suspension.

Winger Paul Rutherford is also back in contention, having shrugged off the thigh strain that has ruled him out of the last three games.

The duo are likely to make changes as well, as they look to bounce back from the Luton defeat – their heaviest for almost six months.

"We've had disappointing results before and always bounced back with a good positive result, and that's what we want tomorrow," said Bayliss.

"We have players coming back this weekend, and that is massive for us.

"We have decisions to make as to who will play, but whatever we do decide will be for the good of the side and to give us the best chance of getting three points."

By CHRIS HUDSON