Discipline the key to AFC Telford's cup glory

The Bucks, who were formed in 2004, have never previously been that far in the competition.

But they may well have changed that statistic 10 days ago had they not conceded a sloppy equaliser from a corner-kick in the first meeting with Basingstoke Town.

And striker Adam Farrell believes that improving their defending from such situations – as well as decreasing the rate at which they present them – will be key to their success in tonight's first round replay.

Asked where Telford needed to improve from the initial tie, which ended 1-1, Farrell said: "In the first half we did well but then set-pieces cost us.

"We have conceded too many from them and we just need to tighten up on set-pieces, not give so many free-kicks away and I think we should be all-right."

Set-pieces could also play an important role at the other end tonight as well.

The Bucks took the lead at Basingstoke through Rod McDonald's first half free-kickwhile Farrell headed home Telford's second against Altrincham from a Sean Cooke free-kick on Wednesday.

Farrell, who now has five for the season, will be itching to make the most of any opportunities in and around the box.

The former Fylde hitman is level with fellow striker Tony Gray in the Bucks' scoring charts but, with so much at stake, Farrell insists that such statistics will be far from his mind.

Aside from writing their names in club history, the Bucks can scoop a welcome £18,000 in prize money, as well as setting up a lucrative away day against League One leaders Bristol City next month.

And Farrell will be using all those reasons as extra motivation for tonight's game.

He said: "We are obviously favourites at home and it is a massive opportunity for us to get through to round two.

"It would be the first time the club has got through to the second round of the FA Cup.

"And there is obviously a great tie waiting for the winners against Bristol City, who are top of League One and the highest ranked team in the draw.

"So if we can get through it is going to be massive for the club and everyone in the squad as well.

"But obviously you have got to forget about the next game. You have just got to think about this one, it is a massive tie for both teams.

"But to get there we have just got to perform on the night and I think we should do if we perform like we know we can."

The Bucks will have to overcome injury problems to book their place in the next round with boss Liam Watson without at least five players.

Sean Clancy and Neill Byrne are sidelined with a broken collarbone and ankle injury respectively.

New loan signings – Lincoln City midfielder Karl Ledsham and Hyde United left-back Kyle Brownhill – and goalkeeper Freddy Hall are cup-tied.

But midfielders Kristian Platt and Mike Grogan and defender Steve Akrigg are set to return.