Shropshire Star

Charlie Barnett set to drop out for AFC Telford

AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson could make midfielder Charlie Barnett the only change for the Conference Premier game at home to Aldershot.

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Barnett was publicly lamented by Watson and was hauled off on the hour during Tuesday night's 3-2 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night.

But Godfrey Poku is the leading contender to come into central midfield, having served a one-match ban for the Macc clash alongside winger Mike Phenix.

The wide man will likely to have to settle for a place on the bench, with Jordan Deacey impressing on the right flank. Poku will likely reform his tandem with Mike Grogan.

Watson said: "I thought Jordan and Sean both played extremely well on Tuesday night, Mike Grogan has been competitive and that's what we want.

"The point I made about Charlie is that he needs to work harder and I told him to his face in front of the rest of the players.

"I have got a squad and I will use it, there's plenty of players who will want places if and when they become available."

Telford are still looking for their first win of the season and will not want to complete a hat-trick of fixtures without three points.

The nine-man Bucks battled to a 1-1 draw at Welling United on last weekend's opening day, before the Macc setback in midweek.

Aldershot have entered their second season outside of the Football League, having started the previous campaign with a 10-point deduction.

Manager Andy Scott is expected to lead a promotion charge, which has opened with a 3-1 victory over Altrincham and defeat after a 95th minute goal at Eastleigh on Thursday night.

Watson said: "My players hadn't looked out of their depth at the level, so we just need to go into the game tomorrow really positive.

"Aldershot started on a big penalty last season, points wise, otherwise they would have finished a lot higher than they did.

"They will be confident coming to us, but I can go into every game thinking we can win. Ultimately, you need goals to win matches.

"I just want to carry on seeing that work ethic that my teams always have and we haven't played overly badly in the first two games.

"We haven't had much luck, but that will balance out over the course of the season."

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