Rob Smith sets Telford a fresh challenge

Smith's men have won five on the trot, including Saturday's 1-0 success against Tamworth, and are unbeaten in six.

That left them 15th in the National League North before today's trip to Brackley. And Smith wants more of the same.

"It's a dogfight but I think the challenge for us now is to go unbeaten till the end of the season," he added.

"We've been here before on these silly little runs – when I came here before we went unbeaten until the end of the season.

"I would've said one more win is needed (to be safe), but you just don't know."

Smith was hoping that influential frontman Josh Wilson could overcome a mouth injury to make today's away match. Wilson, who has scored six times for the Bucks since his move from AFC Fylde, missed Saturday's game following the removal of a tooth. Smith revealed it was only on Saturday morning that the club were made aware of how bad Wilson's problem was.

The boss also gave an update on fellow forward John Cofie, who also missed Tamworth's visit after tweaking his hamstring against Corby Town.

He said: "The injury to Josh Wilson, would you believe, is a tooth.

"He's had a tooth out but it's become nasty and infected and he hasn't been able to eat in two days.

"He's really not in a good state at the moment but he should be OK for today, which is good news and I think John should also be OK for today."

Praise was also reserved for the performance of Saturday's match-winner Connor McCarthy.

The on-loan Southport striker showed predatory instincts following a goalkeeping error to seal the points against Tamworth.

He said: "Connor is a throwback in terms of when you give someone a ball in the park, they want to play football.

"We all love Connor to bits, he's a character, we love him in the dressing room and I think the fans have taken to him too."