We can win in play-offs, roars boss

Boss Rob Smith saw AFC Telford United book their Blue Square North play-off place and instantly declared: "This could be our year."

The Bucks beat Burscough 3-0 at the New Bucks Head last night, though Droylsden's draw at Stalybridge meant their position in the top five would have been assured in any case.

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Tamworth wrapped up the title last night, leaving the Bucks to go up against Gateshead, Southport and Alfreton in the play-offs.

"It's been an unbelievable season, the most successful I've ever known, and it's not over yet," Smith declared.

"We've got so many players to come back in and, whoever we play, it will be a completely different Telford side they face in the play-offs. I always thought we'd do it – eight games ago I said we needed 15 points and we've got 14, which has proved to be more than enough in the end.

"There's no-one in there I fear. We've beaten all of them except for Alfreton, and I know we can beat them as well.

"With our big players back and a big crowd behind us there's no reason why we can't do it, and I've got a funny feeling it could be our year."

The only setbacks for Smith last night were a number of fresh injuries – the most serious to left-back James Meredith, who broke his nose and was told by a specialist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital that he may not play again this season. Midfielder Danny Edwards also had to go to hospital after suffering an arm injury but got positive news when he was told nothing was broken.

Centre-back Indy Khela limped off with a pulled hamstring that will rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

But the picture is looking much brighter for the week ahead, with skipper Stuart Whitehead and midfielder Jon Adams set to return against Tamworth on Saturday.

Jamie Vermiglio, who has been on the sidelines since being diagnosed with a broken back and a slipped disc, is also set to play some part in that game.

And leading scorer Andy Brown is on target to return for the first leg of the play-offs next Wednesday.

By CHRIS HUDSON