Luca Havern: Time for AFC Telford to forget 2016's poor away form

The Bucks, who have won just three of their 22 National League North games on the road this year, kick off 2017 with a trip to Alfreton Town.

The sides met on Boxing Day at the New Bucks Head, drawing 1-1, and both could do with three points to keep their noses out of trouble – Telford are 17th in the table, and the Reds 18th.

"The manager has spoke to us about that, we obviously wanted to pick up more results on the road," said Havern.

"Those away wins are what help you climb up the table, so the aim is to get a lot more of them.

"Alfreton are a big and physical side but we know we are capable of going there and getting all three points. Hopefully we can start the year with a win and then build on that for the rest of the season."

Havern has been one of Telford's most consistent performers since arriving from Altrincham over the summer and becoming captain.

The 28-year-old central defender has played 21 league games, scoring once, and helped the side keep eight clean sheets this term.

He has featured in both a back four and back five – both of which were deployed on Boxing Day – and when asked which he prefers, he said: "I'm happy to do either, really.

"It's just what the manager sees fit on the day. Whatever formation he decides on, we have to go and make it work."

Havern believes Telford need to improve their game management and added: "We have shown our quality in patches but we need to start games better and finish better.

"We were disappointed to concede late on at Halifax and draw on Boxing Day but we'll take the positives.

"We could do with starting well, getting an early goal and then seeing the game out."