Luke Hubbins tells AFC Telford to prepare for battle

It will be physical, but don't expect AFC Telford to hide if the going gets tough when they host Braintree Town tomorrow, wide-man Luke Hubbins has said.

The 20-year-old has said he expects a battle from the Essex-based side but he is adamant Telford will have the strength in every department to match their opponents.

Hubbins, who impressed during an energetic second-half display in midweek against Forest Green Rovers, said: "I've heard they are a physical side and they are not necessarily going to pass the ball like Forest Green but they have different strengths.

"We just have to concentrate on our own game. We have strong lads here, strong lads at the back, strong lads in midfield and strong lads up front. We are a big physical side as well as a passing side."

He added, though, that Telford would have to make a better start to the game than they did on Tuesday.

Andy Sinton's side found themselves 2-0 down at half-time and despite a much-improved second half in which Nathan Rooney pulled a goal back, they were unable to find a leveller.

Hubbins said: "We just have to start the game like we started the second half, believe in our own ability and not have too much respect for the opponents.

"We were too respectful in that first half. We have to respect our own ability."

Sinton also conceded that Saturday's encounter will be tough but he was quick to dismiss suggestions that Alan Devonshire's side were simply strong and direct.

"They are a hard-working conference side with height in their team but like to play football when they can," he said.

"Alan came up through West Ham as a player and they have got good players so I expect a really difficult game.

"They are good at set-pieces and we will have to be on our game to be get anything from it." With Forest Green's opening goal coming from a set piece, Sinton said his team have been working on defending from such situations this week.

But Sinton reiterated the importance of his side focusing on their own game this weekend.

"Hopefully we can take the positives from the second half against Forest Green and build on it, because I was really pleased with what I saw," he said.

Braintree will be without Sean Marks following his dismissal in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Ebbsfleet.

But they today boosted their attacking options with the signing of Cambridge United striker Michael Gash on a month's loan.

The 25-year-old scored nine goals in 40 games for Cambridge last season but has seen his opportunities limited following the arrival of Sam Smith and Tom Elliott.

Iron boss Alan Devonshire has strongly hinted the new addition will go straight into the starting XI.

He is likely to stick with Danny Naisbitt in goal, meaning there will only be room on the bench for highly-rated England C international keeper Nathan McDonald.