AFC Telford United preview: Confident Bucks on a roll ahead of Southport trip

Telford boss Kevin Wilkin says confidence is high within his squad as they eye back-to-back victories for the first time this season at Stourport tomorrow.

The Bucks picked up a memorable victory on the road at Hereford on Tuesday evening courtesy of Louis Moult’s first-half goal, and showed impressive resolve to withstand the home side’s onslaught in the second half.

It means Telford have taken seven points from their last three games and no longer occupy a spot in the National League North relegation zone, something the Bucks boss is keen build on this weekend against a Southport side sitting in 23rd place.

“We’re doing okay at the moment, but we want to turn okay into excellent,” Wilkin said. “Taking something from the game at Southport on Saturday would certainly help us on that pathway and it’s up to us to focus on building what we’ve been able to do recently.

“Southport will be desperate to pick up some points, and there’s nothing between the top sides and the bottom sides in the league really.

“If you can put a bit of a run together it can really take you up the table, and that’s what we’re looking to do in a game at Southport that we’re really looking forward to off the back of our previous three results.”

The hosts have not enjoyed the first few months of the campaign, with managerial changes, poor results and a match postponement due to damage caused to the playing surface at Haig Avenue by Storm Boelo.

Neil Danns resigned as manager at the start of September and was replaced by assistant Mark Duffy, who lasted just 19 days in the job before the ‘mutual termination’ of his contract following backlash relating to posts made on his social media accounts.

On Thursday, The Sandgrounders appointed former-Chester boss Calum McIntyre as their new manager, in time for the 33-year-old to take the team tomorrow.

“We can’t affect any of that so I don’t tend to focus on it,” Wilkin said. “Obviously you’re always aware of things that are happening but in terms of the pitch I haven’t heard anything to suggest there’s a chance that the game will be cancelled, so we’re preparing as normal.

“I don’t really get involved in other people’s situations, I just want to win games and that’s what I’m going to keep putting all of my focus and attention into.

“Whenever we have an opportunity to put some points on the board that has to be the focus, but of course we’re taking nothing for granted.

“It’s alright talking about it but we’ve got to keep doing it, and there’s never been a lack of confidence in the lads which has been pleasing.

“They are always going to try hard and have a go regardless of who we’re playing.”

Telford will be grateful to have come through the Hereford game without any major fitness concerns, with just Matty Stenson on the injury list coming into this weekend.