v 
YELLOWS
Yes, the Yellow away strip will get another airing on Saturday!
Southend boss Steve Tilson is taking nothing for granted ahead of this Saturday's FA Cup first round tie at AFC Telford: "We have had them watched and it's going to be a tricky tie because they have got nothing to lose. Everyone expects us to win so we just have to make sure we prepare in the right way. If we go there expecting to win then we could get a nasty shock. But if we play the way we know we can and treat the game in the right way, then I'm hoping that we will win."
Quite right, in a week that has already seen two Southend sides go out of cup competitions, this could be a very unwanted hat-trick.
The Shrimpers will be without left-back Dan Harding, on-loan from Ipswich and Reading players, goalkeeper Adam Federici and midfielder Hal Robson-Kanu, finally Lee Sawyer, from Chelsea, have all been told by their clubs they can't get cup-tied.
Only Pompey's Christophe from the 'loanee five' has been given permission to play along with Macca in the centre of midfield. This will mean Betsy and, possibily Scannell, maybe Walker, will have to step up and give the team width and creativity that may be lacking from elsewhere.
In these circumstances I would stick with Sankofa and Francis, just. It would be good to see how Herd copes at some stage and you do wonder how much faith Tilly actually has in the present squad of youngsters with the Moose exiled to Bucks.
Certainly this is going to be a whole new world to Laurent, be good to see how he copes with some Level Six defending.
However Tilly, speaking to the Southend Evening Echo, is not too worried that the first-team regulars will not be playing as he is confident that he has sufficient strength to draw on: "We have a big enough squad to cope and it will give the people a chance to show they are raring to go if they get the chance."
Meanwhile it's a fireman, a home improvement inspector, a teacher and a bathroom fitter who are among those taking on Southend United for AFC Telford tomorrow. But Tilly is fully aware of what the part-timers are capable of conjuring up in the FA Cup first round clash.
For 19 years ago the Blues boss and his assistant Paul Brush were both in the Shrimpers side which lost 1-0 at non-league minnows Aylesbury and T&B are desperate to avoid a similar setback as a manager. (And I was there as well, horrible, the pub before the game ran out of beer!)
"That defeat just shows you what can happen if you don't approach a game in the right way," said the Seasiders chief. "Brushy and I both played and it was terrible to lose. It certainly hurt a lot at the time and I don't want to feeling that way again tomorrow."
Tilson is therefore taking nothing for granted against the Blue Square North side, especially as they have now not been beaten for 13 matches.
"Make no mistake about it they are a good side. Upsets happen all the time in this competition and 99 per cent of them are down to the losing team's attitude and approach. That will be the key on Saturday and if we get that right then we're going to win. But we will have to work for it and it definitely isn't a case of just turning up. This is an opportunity for a lot of people in the squad, they have waited a while for a chance and now they are getting one. It's up to them to make it as hard as they can for me to pick the team for the match at Tranmere the following weekend."
Tilson must decide between Johnny Herd and Osei Sankofa for who replaces Harding, while shot-stopper Steve Mildenhall and midfielder Alan McCormack seem definite starters. Youth team prospect Justin Hazell, who joined the club as an eight-year-old, will travel to the game as a member of the first-team squad for the first time. Hazell, a versatile forward, played in the midweek FA Youth Cup defeat to Brentford and will be joined in the squad by midfielder Stuart O'Keefe, who scored twice against the Bees.
Possible Southend United X1: Mildenhall, Sankofa, Clarke, Barrett, Francis, Betsy, McCormack, Christophe, Scannell, Revell, Laurent, Subs: Joyce, Herd, Grant, O'Keefe, Walker, Furlong, Hazell.
One player who will start is the experienced shot-stopper Steve Mildenhall who arrived at Roots Hall during the summer and has not figured for the first team since mid-September but with Federici not being allowed to start, Mildenhall will be restored between the sticks. And the 30-year-old is aiming to grab the opportunity with both hands.
"I'm looking forward to getting out there again and getting a game," said Mildenhall. "It's obviously been a frustrating time for me having to look on as the lads have been really well but fair play to Feds because he's been superb since he's come to the club. He is an outstanding young goalkeeper but this is a chance for me now and hopefully I can take it."
Mildenhall sustained the ankle injury towards the end of 1-0 win over Hereford United but bravely played through the pain in the closing stages as the Shrimpers had no substitute keeper on the bench but he has since regained full fitness and is now suffering no pain from his ankle.
"It's been fine for around the past fortnight," he said. "The club managed to arrange a couple of friendlies for me to play in against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham and I had two very good games. I was particularly busy against Spurs when we could've conceded 10 or 12 goals on another day but it helped me get my match fitness back."
Those games mean Mildenhall is confident of coming back with a solid display against the Blue Square North side. And he is desperate to stop the Shrimpers suffering an upset: "These types of games are what the FA Cup is all about and we have to be ready for what they throw at us. The television cameras will be there hoping for an upset but it isn't actually a bad place to go. It wasn't that long ago that they were playing in the Conference and I had a couple of mates playing for them before they went bust. They are doing well again now so we must remain professional and I'm sure we are going to do that."
The draw for the second round of the FA Cup will be live on ITV this Sunday at 1.35pm.
Southend / AFC Telford are Ball 29.
OPPOSITION
Telford is the 39th largest city or town in England in terms of population, this gives AFC Telford United a potential fan base of 138,241 people in the immediate area. Towns such as Wigan, Reading and Blackburn have been able to sustain a Premier League team with similar catchment profile.
The town is also earmarked for further expansion over the next 10 years with the population expected to increase to 250,000. This population expansion would place AFC Telford United in the top 10 for potential local fanbases in England.
Blue Square North
| Latest match Tuesday, 4th November 2008 | Pld | Home | Away | Overall | Pts | GD | |||||||||||||||||
| W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | |||||||||
| 1 | Tamworth | 14 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 29 | 13 | 31 | +16 | ||||
| 2 | Southport | 15 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 26 | 10 | 31 | +16 | ||||
| 3 | Harrogate Town | 14 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 24 | 10 | 28 | +14 | ||||
| 4 | AFC Telford United | 14 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 20 | 11 | 26 | +9 | ||||
| 5 | Stalybridge Celtic | 14 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 28 | 18 | 25 | +10 | ||||
They are certainly on a good run at the moment and in the week beat Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United 4-3 in a Setanta Shield third round thriller. (Cambridge are 7th in their league!) The result has earned them a place in the last 16 and extended their unbeaten run to 13 games ahead of Saturday's FA Cup first round clash with the Blues.
(A report on the game from the Shropshire Star.)
Another Tuesday, another Blue Square Premier scalp for AFC Telford United - and once again it was richly deserved. Cambridge United used the Setanta Shield to field a much-weakened team, and were promptly sent packing by a rampant Bucks performance.
If last week's 3-0 FA Cup drubbing of Northwich Victoria was convincing, then this was just as resounding - even if that is not entirely reflected in the final scoreline.
Two late Lee McEvilly goals, one from the penalty spot and the other virtually the last kick of the game, made the outcome appear far closer than it really was.
In fact, boss Rob Smith's side pretty much dominated from first whistle to last and could have won by a far greater margin. Andy Brown, (watch him, a hat-trick the previous Saturday), and the fit-again Jon Adams both hit the woodwork to add to the four goals their side did score, while countless other chances went begging.
Cambridge, by contrast, rarely threatened - McEvilly's hat-trick in a losing effort at least some reward for his determination.
It all adds up to a very pleasant headache for Smith, who has some task to settle on a starting line-up for Saturday's big FA Cup clash with visiting League One outfit Southend.
Telford started brightly against a Cambridge team that showed nine changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday. They might have been ahead on eight minutes, Gavin Cowan calling reserve keeper Steven Drench into action with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area.
The Bucks did not have long to wait though, Martyn Naylor crossing for Danny Carey-Bertram to score against his former employers with a diving header that went in off the post.
The U's were level as Telford left-back James Meredith fluffed a clearance and Chris Jones crossed for McEvilly, returning to the side after serving a three-match suspension, to fire in.
The big frontman hit the bar with a striker off a Mark Convery corner moments later, but the Shropshire side then took control. Carl Rodgers restored their lead with a powerful finish and defender Indy Khela ensured they stayed in front with a bone-shaking challenge on Felino Jardim.
A mix-up between Cambridge skipper Phil Bolland and the hapless Drench almost gifted the hosts a third and the in-form Brown also hit the post with a great strike right on half-time.
There was no let-up in the second period as Terry Fearns came off the bench to replace Danny Carey-Bertram, who is cup-tied on Saturday, and instantly staked his claim for a place with two goals.
His first, coming after Adams had hit the post from 25 yards, was gifted by a howler from Drench. The second, which all but ended the game as a contest, was a tap-in from close in.
McEvilly's late strikes, one from the penalty spot after a foolish Khela foul and the other a simple finish, at least gave the higher-ranked visitors a little consolation. But there was no denying Telford were worthy winners of the tie
They will now be keeping their fingers-crossed it is not an unlucky 13 unbeaten as the countdown to Saturday's big match well and truly begins.
Assistant Manager Larry Chambers hailed AFC Telford United's "best performance of the season: "I think we're making a bit of a habit of it in these Setanta Shield games," said Chambers, whose side had previously won 3-2 against Gainsborough and 2-1 versus Solihull in the earlier rounds. "There always seems to be a lot of goals in them and they're always quite entertaining. It's great to get a result and go through to the next round but it's the performance that gives us more pleasure than anything. I think we must have hit the post or the bar four or five times and we played some really exciting, flowing football. That's as well as we've played all season. For the last three or four weeks the lads have been getting better and better.
The Bucks will now keep a close eye on the draw for the next round of the Shield, which will be made next week after all the third round ties have been completed, but Chambers insists the competition remains a pleasant distraction rather than a major target.
"We've always said the league is our priority and we've got the FA Cup as well, but when the games come along weave always gone out to win them," he said.
Meanwhile, Telford plan to name goalkeeper Steve Taylor on the bench as cover for Ryan Young on Saturday. With seven substitutes allowed in the FA Cup, Smith and Chambers have turned to the dependable Taylor, who has been turning out for Bridgnorth.
PREVIOUSLYPlayed 1: Won 1 Drawn 0 Lost 0.
This isn't the first time we have met in this competition, Southend played Wellington Town, (who changed their name to Telford in 1969), in the first round of the cup at the Kursaal ground in 1927-28. Blues won the game 1-0 in front of crowd of about 5,000, the goal being scored by Billy Hick.
REF
The man in the middle is Steve Cook from Surrey. His only previous Southend match was about a year ago at home to Cheltenham which ended in a 2-2 draw.
FIXTURES - F.A. Cup First Round
Friday, 7 November 2008; Leeds v Northampton, 19:45.
Saturday, 8 November 2008; (all 15.00 unless stated); Accrington Stanley v Tranmere, Aldershot v Rotherham, Alfreton Town v Bury Town, Barnet v Rochdale, Blyth Spartans v Shrewsbury, 14:00, Bournemouth v Bristol Rovers, Brighton v Hartlepool, Bury v Gillingham, Carlisle v Grays Athletic, Cheltenham v Oldham, Chesterfield v Mansfield, 13:00, Chester v Millwall, 13:00, Colchester v Leyton Orient, Crewe v Ebbsfleet United, Curzon Ashton v Exeter, Darlington v Droylsden, Eastbourne Borough v Barrow, Eastwood Town v Brackley, Harlow v Macclesfield, Hereford v Dag & Red, Histon v Swindon, Huddersfield v Port Vale, Kettering v Lincoln City, Kidderminster v Cambridge Utd, Leicester v Stevenage, Leiston v Fleetwood Town, Luton v Altrincham, MK Dons v Bradford, Morecambe v Grimsby, Oxford Utd v Dorchester, Sutton Utd v Notts County, 14.00, Torquay v Evesham, Walsall v Scunthorpe, Yeovil v Stockport.
Sunday, 9 November 2008; AFC Hornchurch v Peterborough, 14:00, Havant and W v Brentford, 14:00, Team Bath v Forest Green, 15:00.
Monday, 10 November 2008; AFC Wimbledon v Wycombe, 19:45.
BET
AFC Telford United (5) Draw (14/5) Southend (4/6)
Bet of the Day: Accrington Stanley are 3/1 at home to Tranmere, I won't mention Telford at 5's!
WEATHER
Could be worse. 12c's but heavy rain forecast. At least their away end has a roof, which puts some recent football league grounds to shame.
GROUND
AFC Telford United play their home games at the New Bucks Head.
Construction of the stadium commenced in 2000, replacing the Bucks Head ground which had been home to Wellington Town and later Telford United for over a century, which was in much need of renovation.
In between the old ground closing and new one opening, Telford United played with only two terraces in operation, with a small temporary stand situated on what is now the East Terrace and portable cabins in the car park were used for changing rooms.
The stadium, which can hold up to 6,300 supporters was completed in 2003 and is the 111th largest football ground in England.
For all the information on getting to the game with times, prices and maps, go to the AFC Telford TLG Guide: www.thelittlegazette.com/news/loadsngl.asp?cid=EDW4
PUB & PIES
Yes, it's got to be the Cock Hotel! For other choices with full maps and directions go to the AFC Telford TLG Guide: www.thelittlegazette.com/news/loadsngl.asp?cid=EDW4
HISTORY
The town of Telford's original football club, Telford United, were experiencing severe financial difficulties towards the end of the 2003-04 season following the collapse of chairman and 100% shareholder Andrew John Shaw's business empire and were forced into administration. The club's supporters rallied and raised around £50,000 in two months, but with very large debts owed to various creditors amounting to over £4 million there was little hope for the club, and Telford United were forced into liquidation on 27 May 2004.
On the same day that the proposed liquidation was announced the Supporters' trust, Telford United Supporters Ltd, created and became the sole owners of a new football club, AFC Telford United, giving the club the Latin motto numquam obliviscere (English: never forget). In the close season, manager Bernard McNally was appointed and a new squad assembled, the ground lease and assets were secured and the new club was placed in the Northern Premier League Division One by the Football Association.
In their first season, the club began with indifferent form, with a lack of consistency leaving them in mid-table and out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. However, following a 1-0 away defeat at Willenhall Town on December 30, 2004, the side never lost another league game all season, challenging for the title before eventually finishing third place, three points behind the champions North Ferriby United. In the subsequent playoffs, they defeated Eastwood Town 1-0 before defeating Kendal Town 2-1 in the final to clinch promotion. The final was attended by 4,215 people, a record in that league.
Midway through their second season Telford were second from bottom in the league, leading to the removal of manager McNally, to be replaced by Sean Parrish as caretaker. Results improved immediately, and the side were unbeaten under Parrish's guidance. On Thursday 16 February Rob Smith was announced as the club's new manager, assisted by Larry Chambers. The pair had been managing Willenhall Town. The new regime started with an unbeaten run and Telford finished the season in 10th place.
After a summer of transfer activity during which virtually the entire squad was renovated AFC Telford United topped the Northern Premier League table after 15 games, accumulating the best goal difference of any senior team in the British Isles. Telford could not maintain championship-winning form and a 2-1 home defeat to fellow challengers Burscough on the final game of the season, in front of a record crowd of 5,710, left the club finishing third, enough to qualify for the promotion play-offs. A 2-0 home win over Marine in the play-off semi-final was followed by a 3-1 away win at Witton Albion to give the club its second promotion in three years.
During the 2007-08 season Telford finished second in the Conference North, again qualifying for the playoffs. A two-legged semi-final against Barrow saw Telford lose 0-4 on aggregate.
On the 28th October, Telford beat Northwich 3-0 to reach the first round of the FA Cup which is where we come in!
(Thanks to the usual suspects for their help with this article.)