AFC Telford vs Bedford: Gavin Cowan respectful of Eagles' threat

Making it to the proper rounds and having a tie against a Football League outfit is absolutely massive.

The financial rewards – prize money at all rounds being doubled this campaign too – are of major significance, but so are the exposure and momentum that can be gained.

If AFC Telford United reach the first round proper, as they did last term, they will receive a whopping £49,000 – and, you would like to think, would be well placed to take that form into National League North.

This time around, the Bucks start out in the second qualifying round at home against Bedford Town.

And it is a tie that Telford are expected to win as Bedford are two tiers below Gavin Cowan’s charges.

Cowan was keen to point out, though, the Eagles are not to be underestimated.

“They’re going to come here, to these wonderful facilities, and be excited about being here,” he said.

“We know what the FA Cup is about and we have to make sure we apply ourselves in the right manner.

“We’re going to be approaching it full on.”

Their danger man is Paul Benson, who is there as a player-coach. He may, at 38, be in the twilight years of his career but is a clever striker who has scored goals for Charlton, Swindon, Portsmouth, Cheltenham and Luton.

It is thought the Bucks will make a few changes for the clash, even though Cowan insists Bedford will not be taken lightly.

Matthew Barnes-Homer could be in line for a start up top following an impressive showing from the bench last time out – setting up Henry Cowans’ last-gasp equaliser against Stockport.

Callum Cockerill-Mollett, the left-back on loan from Walsall, may not be involved as he would then not be able to feature for the Saddlers in the competition after his one-month stay with Telford finishes.

Due to that, 20-year-old Zak Lilly, who was made the transition from a forward to a defender, could be included in the starting line-up.

The Bucks’ exploits in the competition last campaign was one of the definite positives of Rob Edwards’ reign.

Although their exit in the first round at Hereford felt like a big opportunity missed, the 3-1 victory over FC United of Manchester at home in the fourth qualifying round was one of the most exciting, spirit-lifting victories of the season.

The FA Cup may not get the treatment it deserves by teams towards the top of the pyramid but, at this level, the magic of the competition is very much alive.

Progress in it can put teams, and players for that matter, on the map.

But one Telford attacker is not getting caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Cup.

Seven-goal Daniel Udoh, whether he starts or not, says it is just all about getting back to winning ways – after two games without victory.

“For me, it’s just about getting back to winning ways,” he said.

“That’s all it is. It’s another game to get back to winning ways.

“It’s not FA Cup, lower team – none of that.

“We’ve just got to get back to winning ways and get cracking again.”