Bucks players get hard training

AFC Telford's players have been given a gruelling workout by boss Rob Smith as he looks to stage a quick comeback from his side's first league defeat in 38 games.Smith watched his side lose for the first time in over six months against Whitby on Saturday, and had targeted last night's reserve match against Kettering as a chance for much-needed match practice.

But days of heavy rain rendered the New Bucks Head pitch unplayable - giving Smith the ideal chance to put his players through their paces.

He said: "I am glad that the game was called off, as it gave me a chance to get the whole squad together for a really hard training session.

"We went off to RAF Cosford and had two hours of solid running, which is something I have been wanting to do for a while. It was good to get together and maintain our fitness.

"The problem with reserve games is that it is never the full squad, so last night was just what we needed."

Smith added: "We just did running - it was a shock to the system for some of the lads that we didn't have pre-season."

Saturday's game also saw wing-back Lee Vaughan stretchered off with a knee injury after he collided with a goal post at the end of the game.

And although Vaughan's injury isn't rated as serious, Smith still believes he could be a doubt for Saturday's game at Grantham.

He said: "The only real doubt is with Lee Vaughan - he could be doubtful for Saturday's game. We may leave it a few days to make sure he is fit for the Hednesford game."