A family affair as young Bucks bid to shine

The young Bucks host Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Youth Cup third qualifying round (7.45pm) at the New Bucks Head knowing victory will seal a trip to the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday, November 7.

And for one player – central midfielder Joe Daley – it's a case of being a chip off the old block.

For Daley is the third generation to be connected to the club after granddad Steve, a former manager of Telford United in the 1990s, and dad Ryan, who played for the Bucks.

Acting head of youth Luke Shelley said: "We've won three games already to get this far and we think it's the furthest we've been in the competition.

"To think we could be playing Shrewsbury Town in the first round proper at a League ground is a great incentive." Telford have beaten Sutton Coldfield 6-0 away, Walsall Wood 2-1 at home and Bedworth 4-2 away to get to this stage.

More than 200 fans attended the Walsall Wood tie and Shelley is hoping for a bumper turnout to roar the youngsters on. Admission is £2.

"We'd love as many fans as possible to come down. We had a good crowd here last time and it's great for the lads to experience an atmosphere," he said.

"Shrewsbury's youth team beat our first team in the Shropshire Senior Cup final so we owe them one!

"But Kidderminster won their last tie six or seven-nil so we don't expect an easy ride."

Telford, who will be watched by first-team manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers, will select from their 'A' youth side that plays in the Midland Premier League on Saturday mornings after 100 trialists in the summer spawned two under-18s teams.

Daley, 62, who was once Britain's most expensive footballer when he moved from Wolves to Manchester City in 1979, will also be among the crowd.

He said: "The Telford lads have done really well and they're a cracking side who play some great football."