AFC Telford striker Matthew Barnes-Homer expecting tough test

The Bucks are fresh off a 1-0 win at York City on Saturday – their first game of the new National League North season, writes Joe Edwards.

Barnes-Homer, 31, was the man who found the net and is set to lead the line against the Saints, where had a spell towards the end of last season.

“Brackley have got some good players and they have kept some of the players from last season,” he said.

“They have also made some good signings, some experienced players as well – they have got depth in their squad.”

Brackley also kicked off the campaign with a victory, 2-1 at home against FC United of Manchester – James Armson and Andy Brown scoring for the hosts either side of a Jason Glichrist strike for the visitors.

The Bucks know all too well they possess a big threat going forward, after being handed a 6-0 thrashing by Kevin Wilkin’s side last term.

Barnes-Homer stressed there is no need to fear them, though, and said: “We will back ourselves against anybody.

“You start on the day 0-0, the points are there to play for. You have got to back yourself, it does not make a difference who you are playing.

“On Saturday, we stood up to the challenge – they threw everything at us and we dealt with it.

“It will be another test but we are aiming to get three points again.”

Barnes-Homer was the oldest player in Telford’s squad at Bootham Crescent.

He has starred in non-league for the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, Luton Town and Macclesfield Town.

The Dudley-born centre forward has also played for clubs in the United States and Sweden.

When asked if he can be someone for the club’s younger players to seek advice from, Barnes-Homer said: “If I can, in any way, I will talk to the young lads and try to help them.

“But it is vice-versa, the young lads have to step up and take responsibility as well.

“Aaron Simpson and Aaron Hayden have come in on loan (from Wolves) and they were fantastic on Saturday.

“(Hayden) was fantastic, up against (former Stoke City and Preston North End striker) Jon Parkin who has been around the block, he has experience.

“He was superb at York, as were all of the players all over the pitch for us.”

Barnes-Homer, who has five England C caps to his name, was signed this summer by previous Telford boss Rob Smith.

He impressed enough over pre-season to be kept on by new chief Rob Edwards, and feels the high work rate the former Wolves man is looking to instil in the players is very important.

“The gaffer, he’s been at Wolves and he knows what it’s about,” added Barnes-Homer.

“He has got us playing and working hard for each other, and that’s what you need in this league.

“If you have got any chance of getting in the play-offs, you have to got to work hard. Everything else comes after that.”

In terms of team selection, the Bucks are expected to go with the same line-up that started at York on Saturday.

There will not be a place on the bench for forward Anthony Dwyer, who serves the last of a three-game suspension which carries over from last season.