Goal ace Lewis 'is red-hot'

AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith today paid tribute to Matty Lewis for establishing himself as one of the hottest striking properties in Blue Square North.The former Halesowen man's brace against Tamworth on Tuesday took him to 12 for the season and joint top of the division's scoring charts.

But Smith believes it is the complete performances from Lewis which will make it difficult to leave him out of the side in the coming weeks - despite the likes of Michael Husbands, Justin Marsden, Luke Reynolds, Lee Moore and Gary Birch all pushing for starting roles.

"Matty scored a lot of his goals when he was coming as a sub and I felt in the early part of the season he wasn't quite fulfiling his potential," said Smith.

"But his work-rate and aerial performances over the last few weeks have been excellent so it's his all-round game as much as his goals which is guaranteeing him a shot at the moment."

Smith admits it is difficult attempting to keep five strikers happy, but remains hopeful the quintet will want to remain part of his squad's push for promotion.

"It's not ideal to have four strikers on the bench but you can't have enough of a good thing," he added.

"We have certainly got competition up there and we are doing what we can to keep all the lads involved.

"If someone comes and says they want football and to go out on loan for a month then that is something we will have to look at. But hopefully they are all enjoying being part of what is happening here."