AFC Telford vs Spennymoor Town: Bucks must improve home record

They have won five, drawn three and lost nine at the New Bucks Head, writes Joe Edwards.

Only already-relegated North Ferriby United, with one victory, have came out on top fewer times on their own patch.

Given those results, and the fact Rob Edwards’ side are in the relegation zone with eight games to go, it is understandable that some fans may not want to go to tonight’s game against Spennymoor Town.

But the players need all the support they can get.

There is an added incentive as the club have reduced tickets to £9 for adults – seniors being charged the same price – while under-19s can go for free.

The Frank Nagington Stand is being opened up to home fans too in an attempt to boost the atmosphere.

It may be a cliché, but the importance of the 12th man cannot be understated.

Beating the Moors appears to be a tough ask as they are seventh in the table.

Edwards will take heart, though, from the fact Jason Ainsley’s charges have not been in blistering form as of late – winning two and losing three from their last five.

They lost 4-1 at second bottom Gainsborough Trinity last time out too, despite taking the lead early on.

The Bucks will be hoping to fare similarly but if they go behind, evidence suggests they will not do what Trinity did.

After all, they are yet to be victorious under Edwards in the league after going a goal down.

Telford have no injury worries going into this encounter.

Striker Kane Richards was believed to be struggling with a minor knock prior to last weekend but should be over it now.

Fellow forward Amari Morgan-Smith is waiting in the wings having served a three-match ban for his red card at Southport.

The Bucks are expected to carry on in a 4-4-2 formation which has been used in recent weeks while Spennymoor are likely to go for a 4-5-1.

Edwards’ men need wins in order to survive, but they would gladly take a point here before three against Chorley on Saturday – or vice versa.

It would be an absolute travesty if Telford dropped to step three of non-league. Hopefully the Bucks can do enough against the Moors to boost supporters’ confidence in them remaining in National North.