Gavin Cowan not surprised by AFC Telford's superb start to the season

The Bucks beat Chester 3-1 at home on Saturday to go second in National League North on the back of a six-game unbeaten run.

They were hoping to cap off a fine August with another victory at Leamington this afternoon (3pm).

“I don’t think any of the players are surprising me,” said Cowan. “I recruited them for a reason – I have a high expectation of them.

“The only problem is that if they fall below that expectation, we have to address it.

“It doesn’t surprise me. We are very versatile in terms of formations, we have four or five in our repertoire. We are very fluent, which is how I wanted us to be.

“The players are realising now that they can play with freedom, think outside the box.“We have to be reliable in certain areas but also expressive in others, which the lads seem to be taking on board.”

Telford went into today’s clash with four wins and two draws to their name.

Cowan knows their run of results has, naturally, boosted his players’ spirits – but they were already a confident bunch.

“That’s what results bring.When you’re winning games, the lads will be feeling confident because they’re trusting in the process we’re offering,” he said. “The results are playing a part but with this group, that’s how the lads are anyway.”

“It’s what me and the staff instil in them – go and play with some freedom. That’s how you get the best out of your players.”

Cowan reserved praise for starstriker Daniel Udoh. He was at the double against Chester, where he had a brief spell last season, and was out to build on his five-goal tally for the campaignagainst the Brakes, another former club.

“He’s scoring goals and that’s what he’s paid to do,” added Cowan.

“He’s in a rich vein of form.I’m very pleased with him,” said Cowan. “His attitude and application, aside from his technical ability, have been really pleasing.He’s a very humble lad who just wants to improve.He listens.”

“He could have scored 10 goals on Saturday and he’s asking ‘how have I got on gaffer and where can I improve?’

“They’re the type of players that we wanted here, good characters. He’s certainly one of them.”