Rob Smith: All the pressure is on Harrogate Town, not AFC Telford
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith says the pressure is on tomorrow's opponents Harrogate Town due to their 'big squad and big budget'.
The Bucks go into the clash at the CNG Stadium 14th in the National League North table while Town are three places above with seven more points,
"They've had an indifferent time this season – as have we, I suppose, in terms of league results," said Smith.
"The pressure is always on Harrogate because they've got a big squad and a big budget.
"They're expected to be up there and the only surprise is that they're not. But they can turn it around and they'll look to use us as the game to do that in.
"We've got to go up there and not be rolled over."
Having won their last two games, the Bucks are in good spirits.
A 4-3-3 system has worked well while the likes of Josh Wilson, John-Paul Kissock and Dwayne Samuels have impressed.
Harrogate's CNG Stadium now has a 3G surface, which was installed over the summer. The Bucks have played on an artificial surface this season and found it difficult, losing 2-1 at Tamworth on August 13.
On the surface, Harrogate have played 10 games – winning five, drawing two and losing three. Jon-Paul Pittman has netted nine times in the league for Town this season and Smith is aware of the amount of quality in their squad.
"They've got players like Jon-Paul Pittman, Warren Burrell and Lloyd Kelly in midfield. They have players galore and quality throughout.
"When the fixtures come out you look at Harrogate away as being one of the toughest of the season and now they have the artificial pitch too."
In terms of the Bucks squad, Ben O'Hanlon and Bradley Reid should return. The pair, on loan from Wolves, missed out on the trip to Ramsbottom United in the FA Trophy last weekend – O'Hanlon due to the birth of his son while Reid was left out after suffering a concussion against Darlington the weekend prior.
Dave Hibbert may miss out due to the artificial surface and the wear and tear it can cause to his knees, but Smith insists no decision has been made yet.
On the squad, Smith added: "If something came along where someone was available then I'd like to think we could strengthen the squad with one more – but we're quite happy with what we've got."
