Kidderminster Harriers vs AFC Telford: Spirit is shining through says Gavin Cowan

The Bucks chief admits he was struck by his side’s team ethos during the fine opening-day victory over Southport, writes Lewis Cox.

Telford make the short trip to Kidderminster Harriers tonight and Cowan says his men should forget about win No.1 and focus on securing a second.

But he reckons a significant part of the good feeling around the New Bucks Head owes to the way the Bucks squad and staff have grown together.

He said: “I’ve got Adam Dawson on the bench and I’m thinking of bringing him on to run down the clock, but I’m concerned because we’re not getting in the areas for him to do it.

“He just turns to me and says ‘gaffer, I just want to win the game, do what you think is best’.

“If you know him, he’s like a kid in a sweet shop when he’s got a football so he’s desperate to get on and then yYou’ve got Jon Royle coming on and heading the ball 30 yards.

“You’ve got Ryan Sears coming on. He’s only been here for two sessions but he’s jumping in the way of things.

“That’s what defines us. Our football operations manager, Luke Shelley, was here of the morning cleaning toilets as nobody else was around to do it.”

Cowan continued: “I’ve just realised we’re not a team, not a squad, we’re a group – and everyone has played their part.

“That’s what has been really pleasing, and the result topped it off. They are all together, all happy faces.

“I’m sure that won’t last too long if players aren’t in the team too often but they’re a great group who know it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Harriers began their National League North campaign with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Alfreton.

Kane Richards, who spent the second half of last season at the New Bucks Head on loan from Dover – without netting – scored 60 seconds into his Reds bow.

Cowan added: “Saturday was great, we enjoyed it, but now we’re thinking about Kidderminster. “Kidderminster watched us on Saturday.We’ve got one win, we’ve got to be put it into perspective and tonight needs to be another one.”

Telford have five ex-Harriers in their ranks; Adam Dawson, James McQuilkin, Andre Brown, Amari Morgan-Smith and Darryl Knights. Cowan believes they are looking forward to familiar surroundings.

He added: “Those players were really successful there. Fortunately for us, we have them now.

“I think they’ll enjoy going back, it’s a nice place to play, and it’ll be a stern test.

“You always want to do well against your former club.”