Bucks boss Rob Smith is happy with Telford options
AFC Telford United insist they have the strength in depth to cope with arguably their two most difficult games of the season – and Reece Simpson could have played himself into contention.
Rob Smith's side host champions-elect Solihull Moors on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run to eight games and record a sixth straight clean sheet, before a trip to third-placed North Ferriby seven days later.
Smith made a total of six changes for Tuesday's Shropshire Senior Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Shrewsbury Town, replacing full-backs Dwayne Samuels and Darren Campion with Izak Reid and Kyle Brownhill, centre-back Curtis Tilt with Graham Hutchison, midfielders Simpson and Sean Clancy for Jack Rea and Jordan Wynter and striker John Cofie for Dave Hibbert. And he was highly impressed with those who came in as the Bucks prepare to play the two of the three top teams in National League North.
"We've only got a small squad but the pleasing thing was it showed me the strength of the players to come in and put in performances like that against full-time opposition," said Smith. "I thought Graham Hutchison had a superb game, Kyle Brownhill did well and Izak Reid was sensational at right-back, so there were real positives to come out of it even though we made so many changes.
"Overall I thought we were the better side and the main thing is it keeps our form going."
Powerful central midfielder Simpson played the first 64 minutes before being replaced by Wynter.
"He struggled fitness wise because he hasn't been playing a lot of football but I thought he did OK," said the boss. "We've only got 17 signed players so there's every chance he will get opportunities."
Meanwhile, the Bucks have received a double boost for Saturday. Darren Campion (foot) and Jack Rea (calf), are set to be available.
