Rob Smith demands a show of Telford character

Both teams are coming off weekend defeats for the clash at the New Bucks Head, Telford going down 2-1 at Tamworth while Stalybridge lost 4-0 to Salford City.

Smith says his side should have seven points after the first three games and wants his men to have more of a cutting edge in the final third.

"We have got to show a bit of character and get a win under our belt as soon as we can," said Smith.

"We should be sitting here with seven points if we had a bit more about us.

"If we don't learn quickly to take our chances, we're going to keep getting punished because it's a harsh league.

We've got a lot of scratching our heads to do. Against Stalybridge, of course we want to do well and we want to win at home.

They will present a real physical, strong test for us.

Smith also has some injury concerns to deal with.

Dave Hibbert, who is advised not to play on artificial surfaces such as The Lamb due to a knee issue, should be available.

Jack Rea also missed the Tamworth game while Dwayne Samuels and Sean Williams picked up knocks at The Lamb.

In terms of the chances of those four figuring tonight, Smith said: "Dave will be available and Jack is touch and go, but we're hoping he will be OK.

"You've got Dwayne that played with a hamstring injury all throughout the second half and Willo has taken a knock as well.

"Whoever is selected, we've got to perform better."

Long-term absentee Paul McCone took part in the warm-up at Tamworth, but is not expected to feature for several weeks yet.

Summer recruit James Hurst was also out there with the rest of the squad and on his condition, Smith added: "He has joined up with the warm-up and he looks OK so we will just step it up now.

"He will need a couple of weeks at least, I would have thought."