Vaughan doubtful for cup test

Star asset Lee Vaughan has emerged as a doubt for AFC Telford as they attempt to set their abysmal knockout football record straight at Matlock tomorrow.

During training last night, Vaughan reported further discomfort on a knee injury which has troubled him for the last three weeks.

That will force the Bucks to make a late check on a player who was expected to get the Football League vultures circling prior to last month's transfer deadline.

Manager Rob Smith will certainly be hoping his key performer is declared fit as he attempts to finally bring a potentially headline-grabbing and lucrative FA Cup run to Telford.

For all their league success, Smith and assistant Larry Chambers have lost all three knockout games with the Bucks - and the duo are aware they face another testing afternoon at the home of the UniBond League premier division high-fliers.

"It is well documented we have not done well in cup competitions and we are more determined that ever to put that right," said Smith.

"But it's a very tough game. People will be looking at it and thinking this could be one of the shocks and if I was looking in from the outside, I would probably be thinking the same.

"I don't think it will come down to a question of attitude because all the lads are really up for it.

"I think the top five or six in that league (UniBond Premier) are streets ahead of anything else in the division and the fact Matlock are at home is a big advantage.

"But confidence in the camp is unbelievable and we are ready for it. The ideal scenario is that we go through and play well but the main thing is that we are in the hat on Monday morning."

Injury will rule midfielder Jamie Vemiglio out of tomorrow's clash so either Chris Cornes, Gary Fitzpatrick or Jon Adams - who along with Lee Moore has returned from England futsal duty injury free - will deputise. Steve Palmer will also be in the party travelling to Derbyshire.

By James Garrison