AFC Telford aiming to get back on track against Southport

Both played in the Premier League and at international level and are cutting their teeth as managers in National League North.

Edwards had brief spells in the top flight with both Aston Villa and Blackpool, while Davies spent well over a decade in the division for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and – most notably – Bolton Wanderers.

Edwards – who was a defender – got 15 caps for Wales, and Davies – who was an old-school striker – made his one and only England appearance in 2010, aged 33.

Now, at 34 and 40 respectively, they are striving for further success in the game.

Edwards took over at the Bucks during the summer and has made a good impression so far – they sit 11th, two points off the play-offs.

Davies took the reins at Southport – who were relegated from the National League last season – earlier this month.

Tasked with turning around a side in apparent freefall, his first game in charge was a 2-2 draw against Gainsborough Trinity.

That followed a five-match losing run in the league, which led to Alan Lewer’s sacking.

“I wouldn’t draw too many comparisons with me and Kevin – he had a far better playing career than I did,” said Edwards.

“Although, of course, we are both former players who are starting out in management this season, in the same division.

“I wish him well but they are coming to the New Bucks Head, where we have been in good form.”

Telford have won their last five games on home soil, across all competitions.

Southport have only won twice on their travels this term – their last away triumph being at Alfreton Town on August 19.

All signs point towards a Bucks win, but Edwards will not be fooled by the two teams’ respective form.

“Kevin has gone in and stopped the run of defeats straight away,” he said.

“You usually get a reaction when there is a change in management in football, we have seen it so many times over the years.

“They will be feeling good going into the game. They managed to draw 2-2 with Gainsborough, who we lost 3-2 to on Tuesday night, so that was a good result.

“We were disappointed to lose that game but, in the main, we have done well recently and picked up the right results.

He added: “Our form at home has turned a corner, we have picked up good results as of late. We will keep working hard on it. Victory will keep us in the mix for the play-offs.

“We still have a long way to go, of course, but we are around a third into the season now and you want to try to build some momentum.”

Telford will be without skipper Shane Sutton, who is nursing a knee injury. Attacking midfielder John Marsden (ankle) is set to spend the next couple of weeks on the sidelines too.

This is the final game before Ross White begins a three-match ban for his straight red card at Gainsborough.