Shropshire Star

Rob Edwards checks out AFC Telford's FA Cup visitors Barwell

Boss Rob Edwards believes an FA Cup run would be fantastic for AFC Telford United and has done his homework on tomorrow's visitors Barwell.

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The Bucks go into the second qualifying round clash in buoyant mood after securing their first home win of the season, beating Stockport County 3-2 on Tuesday.

Barwell play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, one level below National League North side Telford, and Edwards watched their 2-1 league defeat at Stourbridge on Monday night.

He said: "It would be fantastic. I went to watch them at Stourbridge and we know it is going to be a really tough game.

"They have got a certain style and they have got some good players in there as well, as you would expect.

"They are going to be up for it, everyone wants a cup run.

"It is a fantastic competition and one we would love to get through to the next round of.

"But we only do it by working as hard as we did on Tuesday night."

Since the club's reformation in 2004, the furthest Telford have got to in the competition is the second round – losing 1-0 at Bristol City in the 2014/15 campaign.

They got to the fifth round in 1984/85 term, where they lost 3-0 against Everton at Goodison Park – a game and run that remains fond in the memory of many Bucks fans.

Edwards insists his side will not approach the game any differently and will not underestimate Barwell, who have former Telford striker Kyle Perry in their ranks.

"It stays exactly the same.Its all about doing the stuff we did against Stockport," he said.

"Football doesn't get too much different.

"The lads have set themselves a standard and that has got to continue."

Edwards gave an update on the club's injured quartet – Matthew Barnes-Homer (hamstring), Aaron Simpson (hamstring), Jack Rea (ankle) and Curtis Strong (knee).

Barnes-Homer has been training so may return, but the rest are set to sit out again.

"Matthew Barnes-Homer has trained, but the rest no," Edwards added.

"Curtis has been slightly feeling his knee. We have had a conversation and he is going to do a bit of strengthening, some maintenance work.

"We are training a little bit more than he has been used to so he just needs to make sure he gets that balance right."