Liam Watson eyes cup boost for AFC Telford

Watson's troops will attempt to make history at Basingstoke Town on Saturday by reaching the the FA Cup second round for the first time in the reformed club's existence.

And the Bucks chief feels Cup success could also help kick-start a surge up the Conference Premier table.

Telford are currently eight points from safety following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Watson said: "Obviously the league goes to bed now until the Altrincham game on Wednesday, and the FA Cup is a different thing altogether.

"But it will just be a nice boost for everyone if we can go and get a win on Saturday.

"It would give the team an extra lift going into the next run of league games and wins breed wins.

"If you get one it is amazing how confidence and things like that change."

And wins are now the order of the day for Telford, who have plenty of ground to claw back in their remaining 28 league games if they are to extend their stay in the non-league's top tier.

Watson, whose team have lost just one of their last four games in all competitions, has been encouraged by recent performances.

And he was again pleased with the overall display produced by his players on Saturday.

But with a run of crucial league matches against sides in the bottom half of the table to come before the New Year, Watson is aware that points are the only currency that will really count.

He said: "After Basingstoke we hit a run of games where it is imperative that we start winning.

"If we can get back-to-back wins that table will look a lot tighter and we will start putting pressure on other people."