AFC Telford boss Rob Smith disappointed with FA Trophy away tie
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has admitted there was 'initial disappointment' at being drawn away to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy first round.
The Bucks were matched up with their National League North rivals in the draw yesterday afternoon and the tie will take place at Aggborough on Saturday, December 10.
The clash, in which £5,000 is up for grabs for the winner, is one of four straight Saturday away games for cash-strapped Telford in the run-up to Christmas, including the 2-0 win at Ramsbottom United last Saturday.
On the draw, Smith said: "I suppose your initial thoughts are those of disappointment, really, as we would have wanted a home game – but we never seem to get them.
"If you are not going to get a home tie though, I suppose the best you can ask for is an away game against a team nearby and that is what we have got.
"It is going to be a tough one for us as they are full-time and are probably one of the best sides we have played so far this season.
"We just have to make sure that we give it our best when we go there."
Telford's next fixture in the league will see them make an approximate 280-mile round trip to face Harrogate Town on Saturday.
They will then visit Harriers on December 10, with a home fixture against Brackley Town on Tuesday, December 13 before they go to Halifax Town on December 17.
On the schedule, Smith said: "We just have to give it our best, that's all we can do.
"It gives us a lot of travelling up until Christmas and we are having to play some good sides as well who are quite high in the table. It is a tough schedule but we are in good spirits at the moment so we will keep going."
Connor McCarthy and Josh Wilson got the goals as the Bucks beat Ramsbottom 2-0 at the weekend.
"I don't think anyone will go there and find it easy on that pitch," added Smith. "It was a very professional performance."
