Andy Sinton desperate to avoid AFC Telford slip-up repeat

Boss Andy Sinton is keen to see AFC Telford United avoid repeating old mistakes when they make the long trip to Braintree Town tomorrow.

The Essex side – who were promoted last season as champions of Blue Square Bet South – have gone six league games without a win.

In contrast, Telford are buoyant after an impressive draw with York and a convincing FA Trophy win at Nuneaton.

But the Bucks have slipped up against apparently weaker opposition so far this season, including the demoralising 3-1 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Bath City earlier this month.

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"Braintree started like a house on fire and at one stage they could have gone top but over the last five or six weeks it's maybe hit them how tough it is at this level," said Sinton.

"They've been on a pretty poor run of form and hopefully that continues.

"But we've seen in recent weeks what can happen when you go to the smaller teams, the Baths of this world, and I keep reminding them (the players) of that.

"Anyone who thinks it will be a stroll in the park can think again – if we're not at it we will come unstuck.

Sinton's squad tomorrow is likely to be similar to the one that secured that win at Nuneaton – though veteran striker Steve Jones could yet come into the equation as he has made progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Right-sided player Dwayne Samuels has recovered from a broken toe and played 45 minutes of a friendly clash with Hereford on Wednesday but is unlikely to be considered for the first team yet.

"Except for a couple of long-term injuries we've got a clean bill of health," said Sinton.

See also:

• Elliott Chamberlain back in the frame at AFC Telford

• I needed AFC Telford axe admits Phil Trainer