Ricky Sappleton's debut came at Hinckley on Monday night (OTMP)

On-loan AFC Telford United striker Ricky Sappleton fired the Bucks into the Setanta Shield final thanks to a 1-0 win over Barrow at Holker Street.

In the third attempt to get the delayed semi played, 19-year-old Leicester City recruit Sappleton won it on the hour with his first goal for the club.

That earned a meeting with Forest Green Rovers in the final on 9 April.

But it means a more hectic schedule, with 10 league games, plus the Setanta final, to squeeze in inside 29 days.

Forest Green booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Ebbsfleet on Thursday night.

And, although the venue has not yet been finalised, Telford have been given to understand that it would be staged by the highest-placed club - in which case it would at The New Lawn, Blue Square Premier side Forest Green's Nailsworth home.

On-loan Telford defender James Meredith will miss the final, having been sent off late on at Holker Street for a second yellow card.

Hopefully Nigel Pearson is keeping an eye on me Telford United's on-loan Leicester City striker Ricky Sappleton

But Telford assistant manager Larry Chambers was more preoccupied by the form of Sappleton.

"Ricky caused them problems," he told BBC Radio Shropshire. "He was a real handful.

"We deserved the win and it's something for the players to look forward to."

After hitting his first goal for Telford, Sappleton is now looking form a few more to enhance his chances of making the breakthrough back at Nigel Pearson's Leicester.

"It's hard to get into the team at Leicester because the strikers are doing well," he said. "Hopefully Nigel Pearson is keeping an eye on me and I get a chance at Leicester.

"Hopefully I can get some goals and push Telford up the table."

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