Luca Havern optimistic about AFC Telford's Christmas schedule

Boss Rob Smith has described the schedule as 'tough' but Havern said: "I think it is ideal for us."

The Bucks will make a 280-mile round trip to play Harrogate Town on Saturday, and visit Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy on Saturday, December 10.

They will then play Brackley Town at the New Bucks Head on Tuesday, December 13 before going to Halifax Town on Saturday, December 17.

"I am only looking at it in a positive way and there are teams we want to be up there with and competing against in the league," added Havern.

"The Kidderminster game in the Trophy is an exciting one as they are a good team, but we beat them earlier in the season.

"We would have liked to be at home but they are a good team and it's a good test for us.

"It's a good time to be going to play those teams as we are looking good at the moment, and we need to keep that up."

Havern has been almost ever-present for Telford this season and played alongside Paul McCone at centre-half in the wins against Darlington and Ramsbottom.

Both Ben Bailey and Dan Preston were on the bench at Ramsbottom and Havern said of his fellow backs: "It is healthy competition in there and it's good to have four strong defenders.

"Ben Bailey will be disappointed so me and Paul McCone have to be at our best to stay in the side.

"Dan Preston is back now and looking fit in training as well, so it keeps us all on our toes. It is a good problem for the manager to have."

Successive wins have gone a long way to boosting morale, and in both of those victories a 4-3-3 system was used.

"It is a great place to be around," added Havern. "The coaches – Rob Smith, Larry Chambers and Gavin Cowan – have really worked hard on our structure in training.

"Things feel a bit more secure with a 4-3-3 and I think there have been some good individual performances as well recently – Josh Wilson for one is getting the goals now."