AFC Telford v North Ferriby: Must-win clash for lowly Bucks

And it certainly rings true for AFC Telford United’s home clash against fellow strugglers North Ferriby United tomorrow, writes Joe Edwards.

The Bucks find themselves second from bottom in National League North.

Postponements have not helped, but they are mainly there due to their performances in recent months. They, quite simply, have not been good enough.

Rob Edwards’ side are shipping goals all too frequently while they have lost their cutting edge at the other end.

Six league games without a win, Telford lack experience – although Edwards is trying to address that, bringing in 28-year-old striker Amari Morgan-Smith and hoping to sign a centre-half who is well versed in the rigours of non-league.

This is a massive opportunity to get back on track – and they have to take it.

North Ferriby United are the only side in the division worse off than the Bucks.

They have managed to pick up just nine points from 28 games this term following relegation from the National League.

They have a goal difference of minus 57 – scoring 14, conceding 71 – and are 22 points off safety. A second straight relegation seems all-but confirmed for them.

The Villagers may have picked up back-to-back draws in the build-up to this encounter, but anything less than three points for Telford tomorrow is catastrophic.

If they fail to get the victory, it is hard to see the Bucks pulling away from trouble.

They have to start what is a make or break month on the right foot.

A repeat of the reverse fixture in October would be much welcome.

Edwards’ charges ran out 2-0 winners at Grange Lane thanks to goals from Jordan Lussey and Elliot Newby. And they did not have to get out of second gear.

A similar performance – and the same result – would give Telford a timely boost, ahead of another huge match on Tuesday against third from bottom Curzon Ashton.

Two players are in line to make their Telford debuts.

Morgan-Smith and goalkeeper Ben Wilson – who is on loan from Cardiff until the end of the season – are both expected to start.

Morgan-Smith, signed from league rivals York City, will likely lead the line in place of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

The former Wolves striker has been let go in order to balance the books.

And Wilson should start between the sticks after teenager Ryan Schofield’s loan from Huddersfield Town was cut short.

It is thought two players will miss the game through injury. Winger Newby has been nursing a hamstring injury for the last couple of weeks, doing work with physio Jake Roe, while central midfielder Jon Royle has tweaked his quad.

Hoping to get back among the goals is top scorer Marcus Dinanga.

The Burton Albion loanee has chipped in with 13 goals this campaign, but has gone five outings without one.

The Bucks are well in need of a confidence boost.

They will not get a better chance to lift their spirits than this.