Telford look to close gap at top

Telford captain Gavin Cowan believes his team can close the gap (OTMP)

Telford hope to repeat their cup form when they head for Blue Square North leaders Tamworth on Saturday for one of the Bucks' biggest games of the season.

Rob Smith's men can move to within three points of the Lambs if they win.

Although they have only won one league game in 2009, Telford reached the FA Trophy quarter-finals last weekend.

And skipper Gavin Cowan hopes that last Saturday's 1-0 win at Kettering acts as a spur, admitting: "If that doesn't kickstart our season nothing will."

We know on our day we should beat anyone in that league

Telford skipper Gavin Cowan

Cowan certainly sees the trip to The Lamb is a game Telford are more than capable of winning, given the hopes they still have of taking the one automatic Blues Square North promotion place.

"They're where we're aiming to be," said Cowan. "We know on our day we should beat anyone in that league if it all comes together," he told BBC Shropshire.

"We're looking to take it on as we would any other team.

"We'll be looking to get three points. It's going to be a difficult task but it's what we go for in every game."

The Bucks welcome back midfielder Emeka Nwadike after his loan spell at Hinckley United came to an end but striker Andy Brown is rated 50/50 after missing his side's four games with an Achilles injury.

Midfield duo Phil Trainer and Danny Edwards will be available for selection again after being cup-tied for the Trophy game at Rockingham Road.

Tamworth looked like they might be suffering a New Year wobble themselves when beaten 5-1 by main title rivals Gateshead in early January before being held at home by bottom club Hucknall.

But they have won their last two games and, unlike the busy Bucks, will have enjoyed the benefit of a 11-day break since their last game, a 2-0 home league win over King's Lynn.

Tamworth will be able to call on their two latest signings, having completed deals on Friday for strikers Mark Rawle and Stuart Nicholson, who spent the first half of last season in Shropshire on loan at Shrewsbury Town.