Wembley dream spurs Telford
AFC Telford United were today urged to grasp their chance to become Wembley Wonders and produce another backs-to-the wall FA Trophy effort against York. AFC Telford United were today urged to grasp their chance to become Wembley Wonders and produce another backs-to-the wall FA Trophy effort against York. The New Bucks Head will tomorrow stage a game dubbed as the biggest since the club was re-formed in 2004 when Telford take on the Blue Square Premier outfit York in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final. Final preparations for the encounter at training were completed last night, and manager Rob Smith today insisted his team can't wait for kick-off time to arrive. For the full story see today's Shropshire Star
The New Bucks Head will tomorrow stage a game dubbed as the biggest since the club was re-formed in 2004 when Telford take on the Blue Square Premier outfit York in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final.
Final preparations for the encounter at training were completed last night, and manager Rob Smith today insisted his team can't wait for kick-off time to arrive.
"There is no pressure or nerves for us – we are going to enjoy the occasion," said the Bucks boss. "The pressure is all on York – they are full-time, they are a Conference team and they will be expecting to be in the final.
"We have done really well to get to here and now there is a belief in the camp that we can go all the way.
"It's been brilliant because since we have been at Telford we have had some really big games every once in a while and you have to cherish them.
"When you arrive at the ground and the crowd starts to build from about 1.30pm, it makes you appreciate the occasion. Tomorrow will be the same."
Smith insists it is vital his team remain in contention for next Saturday's second leg at York.
"We obviously want something to go there with but a draw wouldn't be the end of the world – we could still win it at York," he added.
"It's important to go up there with the game still alive."
The big concern for Smith and his assistant Larry Chambers is a string of selection problems.
Danny Edwards, Mark Danks, Phil Trainer and Emeka Nwadike are all cup-tied while Terry Fearns is serving a suspension imposed by the club.
Smith today said that Danny Carey-Bertram will miss the game with a hamstring problem, but Andy Brown is set to play through the pain barrier of an Achilles problem.
Midfielder Jamie Vermiglio is desperate to be involved despite a well-documented stress fracture of the back, but Smith insists he will avoid that if at all possible.
"We are down to the bare bones but we have been in this situation before," added Smith.
"We went to Kettering with 12 fit players and got the win. In the big games, when our backs are against the wall we produce our best and that's what we said to the players last night."
By JAMES GARRISON