AFC Telford striker Andy Owens ready to work, rest and play

Today's trip to Hednesford Town in the Skrill Conference North kicked off the traditional three matches in six days period, culminating in the New Year's Day return clash with the Pitmen.

There is no let up in January with three away games in a week starting at Harrogate Town on Saturday, January 4.

Owens expects to be in and out of the side during that spell as boss Liam Watson chops and changes to keep his players fresh for a run that could make or break their promotion push.

The striker was used as a second-half substitute in last weekend's 2-1 victory at home to Brackley Town and set up the winning goal for Adam Farrell.

Owens said: "This is probably the best part of the season. If we come out on top over this period we should be there or thereabouts at the top of the league.

"We understand there will be squad rotation. There will nobody sulking at not starting games, no-one expects anything when they turn up on a match-day."

Owens' strike in the reverse fixture at Brackley on Bonfire Night remains his only competitive goal for the club to date.

The 24-year-old has also been used at left-back and on the wing this season but feels, with a sustained starting period in attack, there's time for the goals to flow.

He said: "As a striker, you learn it's all about the goals return. There are games where I think I have played well, but putting the ball in the net is what I am judged on.

"No-one feels under pressure as we know everyone going forward in our team can finish. If it clicks, we will end up mauling teams.

"I set myself a target of 15 goals for the season and with a proper run starting up front, that's within my capabilities."