Lofty ambitions fine by AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards

The Bucks, having won 1-0 at Darlington last weekend, take on Bradford Park Avenue at home tomorrow, writes Joe Edwards.

They are looking for their first victory at the New Bucks Head of this National League North season.

And boss Edwards is looking for all of his charges to have lofty aims – for the clash and the campaign after striker Marcus Dinanga revealed he is looking to bag 30 goals during his loan spell from Burton Albion.

“It is important that they all believe in themselves,” he said.

“If goalscorers want to set themselves big targets, that is great.

“You need those aspirations and those goals to try to achieve, things to work towards.

“If Marcus can get anywhere near what he scored last season (34 on loan at Evo-Stik Premier side Matlock Town), that will be fantastic.

“What we are trying to add to his game is the work-rate and effort, and you have been able to see that in his first two games with us.”

Avenue have the same league record as Telford going into the game – two wins and three losses.

They beat rock-bottom FC United of Manchester 3-0 last time out.

“It will be really tough, they have had a similar start to ourselves,” said Edwards.

“They have had some very good results, especially scoring three to win on Saturday.

“We are expecting a really tough game but if we can execute what we have been trying to get across in training, we are well in with a chance of getting a result.”

The fixture was one to forget for the Bucks last term, losing 3-1 as Avenue winger Wayne Brooksby scored a hat-trick.

Mark Bower’s side, whose other victory this term is a 1-0 win at Tamworth on the opening day, have made some good signings over the summer including former Telford skipper Luca Havern.

Former Buck Shane Killock, ex-Wolves left-back Matt Hill and experienced goalkeeper Steven Drench are a few more players in their healthy-looking squad.

“It is going to be really difficult,” said Edwards.

“They have a lot of experience – from top to bottom – and have some good players.

“Nothing changes for us. We need to make sure that we show that same work-rate and commitment that we have done in every game so far.”

Telford, who are expected to be set up in a 3-5-2 formation again, have a few injury worries going into the game.

Midfielder Jack Rea, who is the Bucks’ current longest-serving player having signed from Avenue in January 2015, limped off at Darlington with an ankle injury.

Forward John Marsden (ankle) and defender Jordan Gough (hip) were both left out at Blackwell Meadows and did not train earlier in the week.

“Jack was his ankle. He is hopeful of being involved but we will see how he is,” added Edwards.

“Jordan and John didn’t train on Tuesday so we will see how they get on as well – those are my three concerns.”