Smith tells Bucks: Five wins for play-off berth

Boss Rob Smith has set AFC Telford United a target of five wins from their last seven games to make the Blue Square North play-offs.

The Bucks have now gone five league matches without a victory after being held 1-1 at home to Eastwood last night.

New loan signing Mark Beesley from Cambridge United made his debut, though it was Danny Carey-Bertram who came off the bench to score an injury-time equaliser.

That goal was enough to lift Telford back up to fifth, and Smith believes they can hold off the challengers bunched behind them.

"There's so many twists and turns left in this," said Smith.

"It's all about looking after ourselves now. We've got seven games to go and I still believe we need five wins.

"It's a big ask, but I think we're playing well now and the squad's looking good so it's achievable.

"Other teams are going to drop points and it's going to go to the wire.

"I said to the players before last night that a defeat and it was over. With a minute to go you feared the worst, but we're still alive."

Smith also hailed the impact of former Chester and Forest Green hitman Beesley, who made his debut just hours after completing his loan move yesterday afternoon.

Beesley, 29, has joined until the end of the season and the Bucks boss is delighted to have him on board.

"He gave us a little bit of canniness in and around the box," added Smith.

• Telford's youth team host Solihull in the Midland Floodlit Youth League tonight (7.45pm), looking to close in on the title. The young Bucks, unbeaten all season, need just four points from their last three games to be crowned champions. Entry is £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.