AFC Telford v Gainsborough: Time to seize the chance of safety

Even a draw could seal National League North survival for the Bucks, depending on how second bottom Tamworth fare against Chorley, writes Joe Edwards.

This campaign, despite early promise, has been very similar to the couple beforehand – largely spent at the wrong end of the table.

Now it is up to Telford to show some signs that, while getting over the line is the main priority, things will improve next term.

After all, this is the last time a lot of fans will see Rob Edwards’ side play for a while.

The onus is on the players to give the supporters something to smile about, some optimism, because three successive seasons of scrapping against relegation is enough.

The Bucks faithful deserve a break.

If Telford are to come out on top in this one, they will have to work hard as Gainsborough are in the dreaded drop zone.

Lee Sinnott’s charges are actually in pretty decent form, having picked up three wins from their last five games – the latest being a 1-0 success at already-relegated North Ferriby United on Tuesday. The other two triumphs were against York City and Spennymoor Town.

The Bucks have also won three of their last five games – the most recent being a 1-0 victory at Blyth Spartans on Tuesday. The other two were against Spennymoor and Leamington.

“It’s a really big game, one we are looking forward to,” said Telford boss Edwards, with his team on 47 points with three matches to go.

“We want as many people in as possible to help us through, to get over the line.

“It’d be great to reach that 50-point mark, and do it in front of our own supporters.

“We need to make sure that we show exactly the same effort and commitment we’ve had over the last nine games.”

The reverse fixture, in October, was topsy-turvy. Michael Jacklin put The Northolme outfit in front, but Elliot Newby and Jordan Lussey struck to put the Bucks in front at half-time.

Bradley Wells levelled shortly after the break and Jacklin got the winner, Ross White also sent off on a night to forget for Telford.

White, of course, will be looking to stay out of trouble this time around.

He has filled in superbly at left-back in recent weeks in the absence of Bob Harris, who is rated at 50/50 for this clash, while Wolves loanee Connor Johnson has also performed well on the other side of the back four.

Marcus Dinanga is expected to lead the line after netting his 22nd goal of the term, across all competitions, to win at Blyth.

On the right of the attacking trio at Croft Park was Kane Richards, who had a spell at Gainsborough a few years ago, and he is likely to start again.

Aside from Harris, everyone is fully fit and ready to go.

“We want to end our season at home in a real positive way as our fans have been fantastic,” added Edwards.

“If we keep together and keep working as hard as we have done, we should do well.”