Liam Watson targets AFC Telford Trophy triumph
AFC Telord boss Liam Watson is aiming to take the first step towards erasing his considerable FA Trophy "heartache" tomorrow when the Bucks host Scarborough Athletic.
The former Southport manager, who arrived at the New Bucks Head in the summer, has lost four quarter-finals in the competition in his career.
But the Bucks have a fine history in the FA Trophy, with their predecessor Telford United having won it a record-equalling three times. And Watson is determined to kick-start another run at the Trophy this weekend.
Asked what memories he has of the competition, he said: "Heartache. I have lost four times in the quarter finals. I think the worst night of my whole career came when I was with Southport against Telford in a replay in 2009.
"(Then-Telford defender) Lee Vaughan got sent off after 25 minutes when we were absolutely battering Telford. We had the ball all game, never really opened them up and then in the 90th minute Carl Rodgers scored off a set piece for them to win the game.
"I was devastated, as sick as I have ever been. But Telford have got a really great record in the Trophy so it would be nice to have a good run."
The prospect of a Wembley final is also a huge incentive that Watson hopes his players will grasp with both hands this season.
He said: "If you are a footballer you have got to want to be there. It gives you a fabulous day out and memories that you'll take for the rest of your life."
He is though wary of a potential banana-skin against the Evo-Stik First Division South side, who are 12th in their league.
"They have got good players," he said.
"Ryan Williams has been a great player, Gary Bradshaw is good, Brian Hughes has played virtually all his career in the Premier League (for Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and Hull City).
"We will have to be on our game."
Meanwhile, Watson has also revealed that player-coach Alan Moogan has had his double hernia operation and the Bucks chief is hoping to have him back in time for the Christmas period.
