Matlock is start of a tough time

AFC Telford United are bracing themselves for the toughest month of the season so far - starting with three demanding away trips.The UniBond League premier division leaders head to play-off hopefuls Matlock on Saturday, and follow that with long trips to Gateshead and Fleetwood in the following nine days.

That punishing schedule has not gone unnoticed by manager Rob Smith and his assistant Larry Chambers.

And the duo will sit down tonight to map out their approach and their target for what could be a make-or-break couple of weeks in their promotion bid.

"We always said February would be a very tough month and we've got three difficult games coming up now," declared Chambers.

"We will set ourselves a target, whether it's seven points or whatever. It's something we'll sit down and talk about tonight, but we need to come out of these games with a decent return.

"We don't always set targets because they lose their impact then, but we will do it for these three games and we'll talk about it at training tonight.

"I've heard a lot said about our lead, but all it takes is two draws while the other teams around you are winning and you're back in the fight.

"There's a lot of football to be played and the league is far from over."

Meanwhile, Chambers revealed the transfer window for League and Conference clubs shut last night with no inquiries about any of his players.

The signing of striker Gary Birch from League Two outfit Lincoln City has been the club's only bit of business during the January transfer window, though Chambers admits they have been surprised to be so quiet.

"We've had no real interest that we know about," he said. "It's maybe a bit of a surprise that we didn't have one or two inquiries, given our form this season.

"But it's not something we worry about as managers until it happens."

By Chris Hudson