Shropshire Star

AFC Telford warned to not be complacent by skipper Shane Sutton

Skipper Shane Sutton has urged his AFC Telford United team-mates not to be complacent as they host Barwell in the FA Cup tomorrow.

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Skipper Shane Sutton

Although Sutton is one the Bucks’ older players at 28, this will be the centre-half’s first game in the historic competition.

After coming through the ranks at Shrewsbury Town, he spent seven years at Welsh Premier side Newtown before joining Telford over the summer.

And he has played in the Europa League and the Welsh Cup, but never the FA Cup.

“I have only played in the Welsh Cup and the Europa before so it is quite nice,” said Sutton.

“It will be like a cup final for Barwell so we have to make sure that we manage the game.”

Telford got their first National League North win at the New Bucks Head this term on Tuesday, beating Stockport County 3-2.

Barwell play a tier below, in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, and have a league away record of two wins, one draw and two losses.

On getting that first home win, Sutton said: “We kept getting ourselves in a hole with the way we concede goals in bad 10 or 15-minute spells.

“We managed the game well in tricky conditions, and they seemed to be struggling in the rain and the wind more than we were.

“The message before the game was that it doesn’t matter how you win, just make sure you get the win.

“Its about getting the wins, building the confidence, and then you can look to start playing a bit more.”

The Bucks, being at a higher level, are the favourites to get the win and make it back-to-back home victories.

But Sutton expects it to be far from a walk in the park.

He added: “After winning on Tuesday night, we need to carry that on and build a bit now and get some momentum at home. And we need to have the right attitude.

“Barwell are in the league below and some people may just think we can turn up and win – that is not the case.

“We need to make sure we do the basics right and be organised, and be prepared for a tough game.”