AFC Telford skipper Shane Sutton lays out clear instruction

That is the clear instruction from skipper Shane Sutton ahead of AFC Telford United’s FA Cup clash at Stafford Rangers tomorrow.

Having beat Barwell 2-0 in the previous round, which was Sutton’s first-ever game in the competition, the Bucks are taking on another Evo-Stik Northern Premier side in the third qualifying round.

Boro managed a surprise 1-0 win over Telford’s National League North rivals Tamworth at the last stage and Sutton is well aware they cannot be taken lightly.

“The message is the same as the Barwell game, really – do not make mistakes and then make sure we all stick to the game plan,” he said.

“The games we have lost recently are the ones where we have made mistakes. Against Barwell, we kept it tight at the back, were solid, and got the win. We need to do that again.”

A major positive for the Bucks in recent weeks has been the form of striker Marcus Dinanga.

He has scored six goals this term while strike partner Anthony Dwyer, who had a spell at Marston Road last campaign, has looked sharp.

“I don’t think we are going to be losing games 1-0 as we are always going to score goals,” said Sutton. “The lads up there are doing well and have been causing defences a lot of problems.

“It is up to us to keep it tight at the back, work hard, and then the strikers can do their thing.

“If we cut out the mistakes, we should be fine.

“It’s a real positive environment and we have won six of 13 games this season so that’s not too bad.”

A big crowd is expected for the game and Sutton is aiming to cut out Rangers’ 12th man.

He added: “It’s going to be your typical cup-tie so we have got to kill the crowd.

“We do that by working hard, doing our jobs, and scoring goals to quieten them down. “We are all looking forward to the game.”

Meanwhile, Boro manager Neil Kitching says ‘a team-talk should not be needed’.

Forwards Dan Westwood and Izak Reid will be especially looking forward to it as they both used to play for Telford.

Defender Mat Bailey also used to play for the Bucks, and Kitching said: “They should all be up for it. It’s a cup game, the FA Cup, and it is against a good team in Telford.

“Dan and Izak will be up for it, and Mat, but everyone should.

“It is one of those games where a team-talk should not be needed, really.

“The lads don’t need telling that it’s a big game.”

Telford coaching staff watched Rangers’ 3-0 league victory against Nantwich Town on Tuesday night.

“It should a big gate as the FA Cup tends to generate an extra bit of interest,” Kitching said.

“We know about Telford, we have watched them, and they know about us as well.

“I am really hoping the fans will come out in full force, like they did against Tamworth.

“We are capable of doing it, we have showed we can compete and beat teams from that level.”

He added: “It’s a big test and a chance for the lads to get their names out there.”