AFC Telford urged to show mental strength

Supremo Lee Carter today issued an AFC Telford United rallying call and admits the club faces a "test of mental strength" in tomorrow's vital home clash with Mansfield.

The Bucks have failed to win in seven Blue Square Premier matches and suffered a damaging 4-0 FA Cup first round defeat at lower ranked Chelmsford last week.

But, as boss Andy Sinton continues to work to two two new loan recruits ahead of the Mansfield meeting, Carter has urged the entire club to rise to the latest challenge.

"Tomorrow is a test of our mental strength and that's the case for everyone at the club," said Carter.

"Sat on the bus coming back from Chelmsford was the toughest coach journey ever – it was the coach journey from hell.

"But it gave everyone the chance to look at each other in the whites of the eyes and we are all up for the fight.

"This is the toughest level of football that any Telford team has ever been involved in and the picture I have in my mind is of Shane Killock lifting the (Blue Square Bet North play-off final) trophy last season.

"That was the culmination of seven years of hard work and I'm confident everyone will step up to the plate again now."

Adam Proudlock and Dwayne Samuels are both non-starters again tomorrow while Carl Rodgers remains a doubt.

By James Garrison