AFC Telford United preview: Bucks kick off FA Trophy campaign with tricky Chelmsford test

Telford kick off their FA Trophy campaign this weekend as National League South side Chelmsford City visit the SEAH Stadium for a second-round clash.

Kevin Wilkin’s side head into the tie full of confidence, having recorded four wins and a draw from their last five league outings.

The Bucks face a stern test against a Chelmsford side who have suffered just one league defeat all season.

However, with 10 of their 16 league fixtures ending in draws, Wilkin will be hoping home advantage can help his side edge what promises to be a closely contested cup tie that must be settled tomorrow afternoon.

“Chelmsford are a big club, and they probably feel like they could sustain themselves at the level above as well,” the Telford boss said. “We know we’re in for a tough game, and they are right in the play-off picture in their division, which is similar to ours.

“It’s a really tough, competitive league and we’re expecting this to be a tough game for us, but with the form we’re in and with the game being at home it’s also one we’re really looking forward to.

“We have to make sure we make that home advantage count as we have done recently.”

Opponents Chelmsford bring with them happy memories on a personal note for Wilkin, who netted a memorable hat-trick for Cambridge City against The Clarets at their old ground at New Writtle Street.

“It’ll have no bearing on this Saturday’s game whatsoever, but it is certainly a memory of a weekend that stuck out in my mind,” Wilkin joked. “I was certainly a whole lot fitter then than I am now too.

“It was a bank holiday weekend and I’d scored three on the Saturday against Corby, and then we played Chelmsford on the bank holiday Monday and I scored another three there.

“It’s a nice memory that I remember personally, and I must have been right on top of my game at the time because I scored 42 goals that season.”

So, does that mean the pressure on Louis Moult this weekend?

“Well, he needs a hat-trick this weekend to keep up with me doesn’t he,” the Bucks boss laughed. “Louis was absolutely outstanding on Saturday, and thoroughly deserved the man of the match award.

“The way he worked to get on the end of the moment that Remi (Walker) carved out for him was massive, and I think that’s three in three for him now which coincides with the good form we’ve been able to work within.

“If we can find him in the box with time and space that’s what will happen, and he’s scored goals like that throughout his career at very high levels>”

Telford have been dealt a blow regarding midfielder Charlie Williams, whose injury is ‘worse than expected’ according to Kevin Wilkin.

Striker Matty Stenson returned to the pitch last weekend and has made good progress with his recovery, while defender Zak Lilly is also nearing a return to action. New signing Michael Gyasi is cup tied.