Rob Edwards: AFC Telford remaining upbeat

Sitting in the National League North relegation zone, the Bucks go to second-placed Harrogate Town tomorrow, writes Joe Edwards.

Getting three points at Wetherby Road, after being thrashed 5-1 at home by Town in September, is a big ask – the Telford boss very much knows that too.

But he insists they are travelling to North Yorkshire in good spirits.

“We have to feel confident, we have to,” said Edwards.

“We realise the state of play – Harrogate are the big favourites.

“Once that whistle goes, though, it is 11 versus 11 and anything can happen. Hopefully we can deliver a good performance – and a result.”

January has been a tough month for the Bucks – to put it lightly.

They have been defeated 2-0 at Kidderminster Harriers, 3-0 up at Salford City and 5-3 at home to York City.

Telford hoped to put things right against Nuneaton Town at the New Bucks Head last weekend, but the clash was called off due to snow.

Having had some time to reflect, Edwards has urged his charges to go into this encounter ‘with no fear’.

“The players are feeling fine, they’re upbeat,” he said.

“York was a crazy game, but there were some good things from us.

“The reaction in the second half was good and we have to take things from that second half.

“We have to go into this game with no fear and display passion.

“And, although it is easier said than done, that has to be from the first minute to the 95th.”

Edwards has one injury worry going into the game. Elliot Newby did not train earlier in the week because of a hamstring injury.

He tried to play through it against York – starting but not coming out for the second half.

“Elliot shouldn’t have played against York, really,” said Edwards.

“We wanted his pace on the wing but then he had to come off.

“He’s been feeling it for a few weeks now and has been working with (physio) Jake (Roe) to try to get it right.

“We’ll see, but we’ve got to think long term as well. There’s no worries for the game other than that.”

Telford are 20th in the table after 24 games – eight wins, three draws, 13 losses. They have scored 32 goals and conceded 44.

Their last win in the league was a 2-0 triumph over Tamworth on November 21.

The Bucks have games in hand on teams around them, though. They have had three postponed fixtures rearranged.

Telford versus Curzon Ashton will now take place on Tuesday, February 13.

The trip to Spennymoor Town is now on Tuesday, February 20.

Telford versus Nuneaton is set to happen on Tuesday, February 27. All of those games will kick-off at 7.45pm.

“The position in the league is not good,” added Edwards.

“Some of it has been out of our control, games being called off.

“And we have had a tough of run of fixtures against teams who, let’s face it, are in a better state than us.

“We need a reaction and we need it fast. We will start winning games, we know that. Why not start this weekend?”