Rob Smith faces giant task as AFC Telford prepare to face Halifax Town
Rob Smith hopes that his fit-again AFC Telford United squad will put in a better showing as they line up against another of National League North's big-hitters.
The Bucks' tough run of fixtures this time takes them to The Shay, home of FC Halifax Town, who have a return to the National League Premier very much in their sights.
For Smith's Telford, putting an uncertain off-field future to the back of their minds with a memorable three points will be high on the agenda.
Defeats against Harrogate Town and Kidderminster Harriers have halted Telford's progress as they still find themselves searching for consistency, writes Joe Edwards.
The Shaymen carry an unmistakable figure in attack, somebody Smith and Telford are all too familiar with from his North Ferriby United days – Tom Denton.
Denton stands at 6ft 6in, has scored six times this term and carries the aerial prowess to worry defenders.
But Smith will be able to call on the return of skipper Luca Havern – among others – after the centre-half missed last week's heavy FA Trophy defeat at Kidderminster.
"It's another one of the big boys that we are coming up against," said Smith.
"They are doing well at the moment and it is a tough place to go.
"It is three of the bigger sides on the trot for us now – and we haven't done very well with the first two.
"We need to show a lot more than we have done in the last two games if we are going to get a result.
"They have a good squad and a lot of their play revolves around Tom Denton.
"His sheer size makes him a real handful and our defenders are going to have a tough time marking him.
"He is a big player for them and they use him well – and he scores a lot of goals at this level.
"But Luca is looking good. I think all of the injuries have cleared for us."
Elsewhere, Dwayne Samuels (ankle), Jack Rea (shin) and Connor McCarthy (toe) have all recovered from knocks to aim for a starting spot.
Winger Elliot Hodge, recently signed on loan from Lincoln City, also returns. The prospect was cup-tied for last week's Trophy tie at Aggborough.
"We are looking better fitness-wise, they are doing okay, and we should have 16 players so I will be able to name a full bench of five," the boss added.
"Elliot's another option in attack for us and we are pleased about that."
