Andy Sinton wants AFC Telford to see off fellow strugglers

Boss Andy Sinton has challenged AFC Telford United to rise to the occasion when they make the trip to fellow strugglers Stockport County tonight.

The Bucks go into the Blue Square Bet Premier clash lying 17th in the league table and having won away from home just once this season – that coming at York back in August.

But the Hatters – who were in the Championship less than 10 years ago – have fared even worse and sit two places and three points behind Telford as they try to stave off a third consecutive relegation.

"It's a great game to look forward to, and it's an important game against a team in and around us," said Sinton.

"Things went against us on Saturday (in a 2-1 defeat at home to Cambridge) but there wasn't a great deal in it and we will approach it positively tonight.

"We're on the right track but we need to get results sooner rather than later - and tonight is as good a time as any to start.

"They had a good result on Saturday and we know it certainly won't be easy."

Sinton is hoping loan forward Marlon Jackson will be able to play a part tonight, having been back at parent club Bristol City receiving treatment on a hamstring injury.

"Their manager Derek McInnes is a good man and he will let me know if there is any chance of him playing," said Sinton.

"We've been very unlucky with our loans, – that's three who have picked up injuries within a week of signing (the other two being Conal Platt and Elliott Chamberlain)."

One man definitely ruled out tonight is midfielder Richard Davies, who starts a two-match suspension.

Davies is banned after receiving his 10th booking of the season when coming on as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Cambridge.

See also:

• AFC Telford 1 Cambridge Utd 2 – Highlights

• AFC Telford skipper Shane Killock backed to return to form

• AFC Telford improved but still beaten by Cambridge

• AFC Telford 1 Cambridge 2 – in pictures