Telford warned to expect backlash

The Bucks go up the M6 looking to extend their 100 per cent record against United, having beaten them three times last season – twice in National League North and once in the FA Trophy.

Telford won 3-1 in the league away and 5-1 at home in a bizarre game that saw United use three goalkeepers, while they also won 2-1 in the FA Trophy, also at the new Moston stadium.

Assistant boss Larry Chambers reckons opposing manager Karl Marginson will have wound up his FC United charges – who started with a 3-3 draw at Chorley – to try to ensure that sequence ends this evening.

"We have a good record against them but we can't live off the back of that," said Chambers.

"We've got to go there and be ready because Karl will be aware of that and be saying to his lads 'we owe these one'.

"We've got to prepare properly and we've got to win the game.

"Our record against them from last season is good, but Karl has made a lot of changes and brought some new players in."

Chambers will be joined by manager Rob Smith in the dugout after the latter's return from holiday.

And the assistant boss believes nothing but victory is good enough for Telford after Saturday's narrow 1-0 defeat at the Bucks Head to second National League North title favourites AFC Fylde.

"We need to bounce back," said the Bucks No.2. "It's irrelevant how well we think we did on Saturday; we lost the game and it's important we bounce back and pick up three points at United."

Telford have three Scousers in their squad – midfielders Sean Williams and Michael Monaghan and striker Josh Wilson.

But despite the intense rivalries in the north west, Chambers has played down suggestions that the Bucks' Liverpudlian contingent will be more eager to beat United than the other players.

"I don't know what these Scousers think. I don't know whether that floats their boat or not!" said Chambers.

"I know they're good footballers and it's a fantastic area for football, a footballing hotbed.

"But I don't know if beating FC United makes a lot of difference to them.

"I'd like to think they want to go there and win for Telford."