Spennymoor v AFC Telford: Bucks can relax for long journey
AFC Telford United have very little left to play for after their win at the weekend, but plenty is at stake for Spennymoor Town.
The only real prize for victory for the Bucks – who confirmed National League North survival by beating Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 – would be pride, writes Joe Edwards.
A triumph for the Moors at Brewery Field would move them back into the play-offs.
“We want to be able to try to relax, enjoy our football,” said relieved Telford chief Rob Edwards.
“We’ve been playing under quite a lot of pressure so it’s a good opportunity for the lads to express themselves, but keep the work rate and everyone else up as much as possible.
“They’re putting themselves on show – you never know who’s watching, obviously I am.
“It’s a good chance for us to just enjoy a couple of games now, this week.”
Despite their different league positions – Spennymoor eighth, the Bucks 15th – and the long trip up to County Durham, you could consider Edwards’ side the favourites for this one.
Telford have won four of their last six games, the Moors have come out on top just once in their last eight attempts.
Given the high importance of the Bucks’ matches before safety was finally secured, Edwards has not made much changes to the side as of late.
When asked if he might shuffle things about for this encounter, Edwards said: “I haven’t really thought about that, we’ll see.
“We want to try to win the game so I’ll try to pick a team I think can do that.
“That’s the most difficult part about this job, picking teams and leaving people out.
“It’s tough but part and parcel of the job, comes with the territory. We’ll crack on.”
Marcus Dinanga is expected to lead the line after taking his tally of goals for the season to 24 on Saturday.
The Burton Albion loanee scored twice at the New Bucks Head, while Wolves loanee Ryan Giles set up all three goals.
On the role those two attackers have played in Telford staying up, Edwards added: “Marcus started really, really well – had a good burst of goals – and is really finishing strongly.
“With him being a young player, it’s about him building that consistency now and trying to keep those goals dripping in throughout the season – that is his next challenge.
“He’s been very important for us. Ryan’s pace causes problems and we’ve been really pleased with his contribution.”
