Rob Smith wants Telford fans to play their part
Rob Smith is hoping the New Bucks Head can roar his side into the next round of the FA Cup tonight.
The Bucks welcome National League North rivals Worcester City for a replay as both sides look to reach the third qualifying round stage.
Yesterday's draw revealed the victors will go on to welcome another National League North outfit in Brackley Town.
Smith is hopeful that home advantage will be a deciding factor tonight, admitting that he felt Saturday's hosts Worcester benefitted from a number of 50-50 decisions in the first tie.
"The crowd do get behind you," said the boss. "We want to play at home, we are better at home. We are looking forward to it.
"I would be very surprised if it was not the same (kind of game) again.
"I think it will be a tight encounter and we might get a few decisions go our way, as I didn't think we had a lot on Saturday.
"It will be tight, nervy but we are at home. The crowd will get behind us and maybe we will start as slight favourites."
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One of Smith's summer signings, James Hurst, has been searching for full fitness since checking in at the New Bucks Head.
But he featured in a three-man central defence during Saturday's draw at Bromsgrove Sporting's Victoria Ground and Smith feels he can slot in anywhere across the back.
The Telford chief revealed his confidence in former Hednesford Town man Hurst to excel in a number of positions.
Smith and assistant boss Larry Chambers opted for a three-man defence in the Cup tie against Worcester, a system that the boss is open to adopting more regularly – should it bring the results.
He can slot in their comfortably, as he did," added Smith.
"He is good anywhere across the back really. He hasn't been producing because he has not been fit but I have no doubt he can cope in there.
"Defensively he is good in the air, he is quick and reads the game really well.
"There was never a doubt I could play him in there. We have Ben Bailey back now, so we have some good options.
"I don't know, possibly (using three at the back going forward). Whatever gets us victories at the end of the day will be what we stick with. I wasn't surprised we got a clean sheet."
