Stratford run out for Marsden

AFC Telford United will tonight send Justin Marsden for a much needed outing - against another Shropshire side.Marsden will make an appearance for Stratford in their Midland Alliance clash with Shifnal at Phoenix Park.

The 23-year-old has largely found himself on the fringes of the first-team for much of the season, but manager Rob Smith insists the forward remains firmly in his plans.

"Justin needs time on the pitch so he will go and play probably about 70 minutes for Stratford tonight," said the Bucks boss.

"It has been a bit stop-start for him because the lads who have been playing up front have been doing well and he can't really do 90 minutes because there is a problem with the pin in his ankle."

Meanwhile, Smith fears his well-documented injury problems could remain for at least another three weeks.

Indy Khela, Richard Teesdale, Vaughan Thomas, Jamie Vermiglio and Luke Reynolds all remain some way from fitness.

"Indy's doing a bit of physical work but we have to be very careful with him because he has had quite a serious leg fracture," said Smith.

"Richard and Vaughan are both still in quite a bit of pain so I think we are looking at two or three weeks for them and it will be at least the same for Jamie.

"As long as we get no more injuries, we won't look to bring anybody in. We haven't got any midweek games for a few weeks and we are happy with what we have got."

To that end, Smith was relieved to see Asa Charlton and Steve Jagielka come through a home reserve game with Halesowen last night which an inexperienced Bucks side lost 4-1.

Telford's position in the Blue Square North play-off positions became more secure following a 2-2 draw between Stalybridge and Southport last night, while Nuneaton were also held 1-1 at home to Worcester.