Rob Smith: AFC Telford must be flexible
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has highlighted the importance of being flexible as the side turn their attention to the FA Trophy this weekend.
The Bucks will head to Evo-Stik First Division North side Ramsbottom United in the competition's third qualifying round on Saturday.
Smith's men have been in buoyant mood this week following a 2-0 win against Darlington at the New Bucks Head which saw them move up to 14th in the National League North.
For the game, the Bucks ditched a 5-3-2 formation in favour of a more orthodox 4-3-3 and Smith said: "You have got to be flexible at this level against different teams – you have to be able to adapt to different situations.
"It's nice to be able to change it and get a result. It gives you a chance to change it around during the game as well if it's not working or something else is needed."
"The most important thing for us is carrying out a game-plan and sticking to it for the whole 90 minutes. We have got to make sure we continue to do that."
It was a good all-round performance as Telford capitalised on the sending off of goalkeeper Peter Jameson to beat the third-placed Quakers.
A similar gritty showing saw them beat Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 earlier in the season on September 6.
However, they followed that up with successive losses in the league at Gainsborough Trinity and Gloucester City.
The Bucks then exited the FA Cup – in the second qualifying round – at the hands of Worcester City following a replay.
Smith has stressed the need to avoid another false dawn, saying: "We have had a few of those this season. We have had good results against some good sides and then haven't been able to follow it up.
"We had a good weekend. The performance on Saturday sets a bar for us and we have got to try to meet that every week.
"We worked hard in training on Tuesday and we have certainly got the quality – the players we have got here.
"There is enough quality in the ranks to be picking up good results on a consistent basis."
He added: "We have got some exciting tests coming up over the next couple of weeks.
"We have got the FA Trophy on Saturday and then Harrogate Town in the league on their 3G surface.
"We are all looking forward to those and looking to get a bit of a run going now."
