AFC Telford manager Gavin Cowen is urging his side to turn up on the big occasion when they visit National League leaders, Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy Semi Final. The Bucks head to E10 before the return leg at New Bucks Head next weekend. After knocking out National League opposition on their way to the Semi Final, Cowen is hoping to do it again. Speaking to telfordunited.com “on our day if we do thing right and prepare right, we’re a tough task for anyone”

• Won three of last five games – W3  D1  L1
• Won all five trophy games this season and six of seven cup games
• 30 League Places between sides

Route to Semi Final

The Bucks head to East London on the back of a 3-1 home defeat to FC United of Manchester last weekend. Goals from Dominic McHale, Kurt Willoughly and Tom Peers secured the victory for FC despite a late Ellis Deeney penalty. Cowen was left frustrated with his sides performance questioning his side’s want to win. Speaking to telfordunited.com “I think we were poor in the defensive transition, we perhaps underestimated them. Credit to them they came and played with freedom, no fear and were the better side today. Hard work and desire was the difference, not something I can say very often”

Telford’s Last Six Results

The Bucks sit seventh in National League North and Cowen highlighted the need for a reaction against Orient on Saturday. It was their first defeat in five games and the 37 year old ensured he kept perspective on his sides achievements this season. Speaking to telfordunited.com “let’s have it right, 95% of the season the players have been pretty brilliant. It’s about the players reactions now and how they react. We need to bounce back and be men, put it to one side and focus on making sure individually and collectively we are ready to take on probably the best team in Non-League”

Telford in National League North

The Bucks’s run to the Semi Finals is rather out of character for the Shorpshire side who have only passed the second round stage, once in the last nine seasons. Telford reached the semi finals back in 2009 but lost out to York City and Cowen highlights the added motivation of Wembley is exciting his side. Speaking to Non-League Paper “a Wembley final isn’t something that comes around in your lifetime very often. It adds to the anticipation of it all and gives both clubs even more motivation to win the tie”.

Telford’s Last Ten Seasons in Trophy

Telford dispatched promotion chasing Solihull Moors in the Quarter Finals and will be hoping to add Leyton Orient to their list over the next two games. Midfielder Ellis Deeney who’s brother Troy will be playing in the FA Cup quarter finals this weekend illustrates that the whole squad is fighting for a place in the starting 11. Speaking to Shropshire Star “I think it is one of them games where we have the hunger anyway. It is massive and everyone wants to play it will be tense throughout the week with everyone trying their best to get into the side”.

• Kept just five clean sheets all season (three away)
• Without clean sheet in last nine games – conceding 18 goals
• Only kept one clean sheet in last 20 games – 26/01/2019 – Southport 0-4 Telford
• No clean sheet in last six away games
• Just one clean sheet in last 11 away games

The O’s have hit form at the right stage of the season and head in winning their last five games. The Bucks enjoyed a free week to fully concentrate on Orient with Cowen stating to Shropshire Star “it gives us a chance to lick our wounds and make sure we get back doing what we can”. Orient sit top of National League and are hunting for a place in the Football League with Cowen highlighting his side will need to at their best, “we know against Leyton Orient we have to bring our A Game because they are one of the best if not the best side in Non-League”.

• Failed to score in five games all season (two home)
• Scored in last ten games
• Only failed to score in one of last 19 games all competitions
• Scored in all seven cup games this season
• Scored in seven of their last nine trophy games

Telford travel to the O’s having won all four away trophy games this season. With the Semi final settled over two legs and with the home leg second, Cowen is confident his side will cause Orient problems. Cowen revealed he used to watch games at Brisbane Road as a young lad and is looking forward to return their as a manager. Speaking to Non-League Paper “It’s a fantastic tie, I’m sure there will be an unbelievable crowd at Brisbane Road, a place I know well. I’m really looking forward to going back”

• Away Record this Season – P22  W9  D5  L8  F36  A35
• Unbeaten in last three games – W2  D1
• Only lost two of their last nine games – W6  D1  L2
• Won six of their last eight trophy games – W6  L2

Team News

Goalkeeper Josef Bursik and striker Marcus Dinanga are cup tied. Henry Cowans is out with a knee injury. Andy Wycherley is set to start between the sticks after recovering from an eye injury.

Last Time Out – 09/03/2019 – AFC Telford 1-3 FC United of Manchester

Starting 11 vs FC United Of Manchester

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 AFC Telford