AFC Telford's Elliot Newby empathises with North Ferriby United woes

The 21-year-old has been in a fine vein of form since joining the Bucks in the summer – thriving in a team that is increasing in confidence.

Last season was different for him though.

He joined Altrincham, on loan from Barrow, during the second half of the campaign.

Following relegation from the National League, the Robins ended up dropping down another division as they finished bottom of National League North.

North Ferriby have also found life very difficult after being dumped out of non-league’s top tier.

They are at the foot of the table, with just one win from 13 games

Ahead of the trip to Grange Lane, Newby said: “I went to Altrincham and it was a similar kind of story.

“I got there and some of the lads were on a bit of a downer.

“It’s difficult to get out of a bad run once you’re on one.

“Of course, you want to get back on form, but it’s hard.”

Newby is not taking anything for granted.

Like the Altrincham outfit he played in, North Ferriby are capable of punishing the Bucks if they go into the clash with complacency.

The focus for Telford is to keep up their unbeaten run, which is now at four games in all competitions.

They go into the game three points off the play-offs.

“It is a game that we have to take as seriously as any other,” said Newby.

“We have to make sure that we are completely focused on the task at hand, this game only.

“I went there with Barrow last year. I didn’t play but it’s a fairly small ground.

“It will be different to what our place was like last weekend (as they beat FC United of Manchester 3-1), with the excitement of the FA Cup, and we have to adjust to that.

“They will be thinking of every single game as a chance to get points on the board to try to move up the table.

“They will be really up for it and we will be too.

“Coming down from the National League, it can prove to be a struggle – you get used to losing games.

“We can’t take anything for granted though, we have to be at it – at our best.”

A recent shift in formation by Bucks boss Rob Edwards – from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 – has saw Newby take on a more attacking role – as an out-and-out left winger.

Earlier on this season, he was having to fill in as a wing-back – on both sides.

While happy to play wherever Edwards puts him, Newby feels his current position is where he can play at his best.

Now his aim is to chip in with more goals and assists.

“I feel much more comfortable in my position now,” he said.

“Of course, I was happy to play as a wing-back and put in more defensive work but I am an attacking player – I like to express myself.

“I am looking to create chances and score goals. The group of us up there, it’s working.

“The understanding between us is developing all the time and I think you can see that.”