AFC Telford v Curzon Ashton: John Marsden expects a testing evening

The Bucks go into the game on the back of a much-needed 3-0 victory over North Ferriby United, writes Joe Edwards.

The New Bucks Head pitch is set to be boggy, as it was on Saturday. And Marsden is aware Telford are going from a team very low on confidence to one, while struggling, that likes to play attractive football.

“It is as and when – you play in behind when you have to, but you can play the ball around too,” said Marsden on the state of the pitch.

“There are areas on the pitch where you can play and Curzon are a good footballing side. It’s a going to be a different test for us, a completely different test.

“We’ve got to be at our best to nullify their threat, but we’ve got the ability going forward – as we showed on Saturday.”

The Bucks are 21st out of 22 teams in National League North going into the game, while Curzon are 19th.

Rob Edwards’ side have played less games than the teams around them – two fewer than the Nash – and Marsden feels they are in a ‘false position’.

“Football can change very quickly. I think we are in a false position – with the players we’ve got, the ability,” he said.

“We’ve had a tough run and now it’s about starting our own run and pushing up the league table.

“We’ve got too good a group of players to go down, in my opinion.”

Marsden set Telford on their way to the three points on Saturday, curling the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out.

He is delighted to be back among the goals, but more so to have got the win.

“I’m made up. First and foremost, the result was the most important thing,” said Marsden. “I don’t think it was necessarily the greatest of performances from the side, but we dug in when we had to.

“I thought Shane Sutton, in particular, was immense at the back. It gives us a platform when you’ve got players like that doing well.

“The goal, I’m delighted with the way it’s gone in – but I would have taken one in off my nose.

“We were solid, as a whole. The main thing was the three points.”

Marsden is now on five goals for the campaign. On that tally, he added: “I’m disappointed if I’m being honest. I’ve played a little deeper at times but, I’ve always said, I’ll take winning over scoring.

“You always want to do well and score but the main focus is getting the points on the board.”