Rob Smith hopes AFC Telford visitors can boost finances

Telford welcome the phoenix side, who are riding high in second in the National League North, on Saturday as they bid to halt a slide of three straight defeats.

Smith hopes that Darlington's renowned support can have a similar impact to that of FC United of Manchester and Salford City – who both visited Telford in their numbers to help generate much-needed funds last month.

Yesterday the Bucks released a club statement announcing that progress in raising £25,000 by the end of November has been 'considerably slower' compared to October.

"I hope they can come down in big numbers," said Smith. "We need each and every help we can. It'll be great to have another big crowd to help us because results have not been great. The crowd can get behind us and support us, but we'll still be underdogs going into it.

"They're a club riding the crest of a wave after being promoted from the Evo-Stik Premier. They're a similar model to ourselves but they just have a winning mentality at the moment."

Smith admitted to finding the period of financial uncertainty testing, Telford are five points from the drop zone in the National League North and have struggled with injury and suspension in recent weeks.

The Bucks' statement also announced that the club's board had finished their consultations regarding the proposed issue of new shares within the club.

Telford are hopeful of issuing the share offer and the process of purchasing shares by Saturday – before adding that interest from investors and supporters has been 'very good'.

"The club can get back on its feet," added Smith. "I can then look at signing some players.

"We feel like we're in a bit of a state of limbo at the moment but we know the club are pressing ahead with the shares.

"The sooner the better it is all sorted for us. It's been a difficult period and we've asked the players to do a job. I thought they did very, very well on Saturday (against Worcester). We had loads of chances."

Bucks shot-stopper James Montgomery was on the bench as England C enjoyed a 2-1 success in Estonia, sealing qualification for the International Challenge Trophy final.