Rob Smith: Telford leaders have to step up

Bucks are still reeling after the 3-0 defeat at Gloucester City in the National League North on Tuesday night and the result prior was a 3-1 loss at Gainsborough Trinity.

When asked whether the players lack what he is looking for, Smith said: "You would certainly say that after the last two games.

"You would say that quite a few players haven't got what I am looking for. Going forward, we are nowhere near where we want to be.

"We are desperately searching for solutions but it's just not coming off."

Telford had the second-best defensive record in the division prior to the Gainsborough game, conceding just seven goals, but the form of the backline has dropped significantly.

"Now the defence has started leaking goals as well. I am looking around for leaders in the dressing room – I have not seen many," said Smith.

"I thought we had three or four captains but I am not going to going to come out and defend the performance at Gloucester.

"It was a shameful performance, as it was at Gainsborough on Saturday, and the book stops with me."

Bucks now turn their focus to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

They face Worcester City, another side from the National League North, at the Victoria Ground on Saturday.

One player set to be involved is Joshua Cooke, who signed on a non-contract basis on Tuesday and came on as a late substitute at Whaddon Road.

The striker left Swindon in the summer and has had loan spells at Staines Town, Cheltenham Town and Gloucester.

On bringing him in, Smith added: "He is not on loan. He left Swindon at the end of the year so he was a free agent.

"We are short on bodies. You can see Josh is short of match fitness as he hasn't played football for three months but when he does he has got a goalscoring record.

"He was quite highly-rated by Mark Cooper at Swindon so we are taking a punt on him really.

"There is nothing to lose with a non-contract option.

"We are not scoring goals so we are willing to try anything at the moment."