Gavin Cowan: Enough at AFC Telford to reach play-offs

The non-league player registration deadline was yesterday, and Cowan decided against signing or sending out anyone at the last minute.

The Bucks are sixth in National League North – four points ahead of Kidderminster Harriers, who are just outside the play-off places in eighth, having played a game fewer – ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Blyth Spartans.

And on if he’s happy with what he’s got with seven games to go, Cowan said: “Yes, and it’s been that way for quite a while now.

“I had the opportunity to bring Adam Dawson back to the club recently and that was an absolute no-brainer for me.

“We wanted to do that as he brings us a different dimension, so we were pleased about that.

“We brought Dom Smith back from his loan spell at Alfreton Town as well.

“Outside of that, there was no need for us to do anything.

"We’re very, very happy with the options available to us. Now it’s about pushing on and making sure we manage to get to the play-offs.”

A good example of Telford’s depth was the fact they were able to rest playmaker Darryl Knights, who has been a regular starter this term, for Tuesday night’s trip to Bradford Park Avenue and still come away with a 2-1 victory.

Rotation has been a key theme over the past several weeks, and Cowan says it is always thoroughly planned out.

“There’s always a plan to it, it’s not just turning up and thinking ‘I’ll do this’,” he added.

“We do it well in advance. The squad is what it is, we’ve been very astute in our recruitment, without having the biggest budget, and it has been paying off for us.”

The Bucks have been drawn away to Whitchurch Alport in the semi-final of the Huddersfield Cup. Newport Town will host Market Drayton in the other last-four tie.