Ebbsfleet United v AFC Telford; A 'relegation party'

Numquam Obliviscere - Never Forget

Ebbsfleet United v AFC Telford United 

Stonebridge Road plays host to a 'relegation party' of sort this Saturday, as all but relegated Ebbsfleet host already relegated Telford.

Despite being able to draw level with the team outside of the relegation zone if all results went their way, the Fleet's awful goal difference prevents this from happening. The Fleet will be mathematically relegated on Saturday.

On what has been a disastrous season for the Reds, a loss against Telford would really top it off. The Bucks haven't won for a massive thirty matches this season, their last win coming at Dartford on October 9.

AFC Telford United 
Founded - 2004
Nickname - The Bucks
Ground - New Bucks Head
Manager - John Psaras (caretaker)
Captain - Ryan Valentine
Top Scorer - Steve Jones (10)

AFC Telford United were formed in 2004 by a Supporters' Trust after former club Telford United were forced into liquidation. The new club were given a Latin motto to live by; numquam obliviscere. This is translated to "never forget". The club were placed in the Northern Premier Division One and two promotions in three seasons saw them begin the 2007-08 season in the Conference North. Telford's first promotion was a 2-1 victory over Kendal Town, watched by 4,215 spectators; a record high for that Division. After a few seasons in the Conference North, AFC Telford finally achieved promotion back to the Conference Premier (the League Telford United were in before being liquidated). 5,436 turned out to watch the Bucks in the play-off final against Guiseley. The club survived the first season but were relegated with plenty of games to spare this season after a 3-0 home defeat to rivals Nuneaton Town. Telford will begin the 2013-14 season back in the Conference North.

AFC Telford had a fairly good start to the season, and after their 4-1 win away at Dartford they sat comfortably in eight position in the table with 21 points. Sadly for the Bucks, they have not won a game since and have picked up just eleven points. They sit bottom of the table with 32 points and are already relegated. On the Cup front, the Bucks were eliminated early in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. They were eliminated by Nuneaton at the first hurdle of the FA Cup. Despite beating their rivals in the first round of the FA Trophy, they were knocked out by lowly Kings Lynn Town in the next round.

The Fleet's relegation was all but confirmed on Tuesday as they lost 1-0 to Hyde, despite playing against ten men for the whole of the second half. Hyde took the lead through Matty Blinkhorn on the stroke of half-time just after Liam Enver-Marum had hit the bar at the other end. The ten men of Hyde stood firm to get the three points, thus making themselves safe in the process. The Fleet remain second from bottom and only four big-margin victories and those above losing, will prevent the Fleet from relegation. The Fleet players are now just playing for pride and the Club will be hoping for another successful season at Conference South level.

Telford were unable to record a victory against the side they last beat as they lost at home to Dartford. On-loan Charlie Sheringham scored one and created one for the visitors as they secured their place in the Blue Square Bet Premier for another season. Despite their certain relegation and long winless run, a crowd of over 1,300 against Dartford was excellent for the Bucks. They remain bottom and with just two games remaining, the Bucks will be hoping to secure a win before they begin life in the Conference North.

KEY PLAYERS: 

The Fleet's two most consistent players of late are Preston Edwards and Tom Phipp. Despite the Fleet only winning one of their last twelve matches, the young shot stopper has been in good form and the scorelines would have been far worse had it not been for him. After an inconsistent season, a spell out of the side was just what midfielder Tom Phipp needed. Since he's returned to the side he has looked a far better player.

Although it could be nigh on impossible to pick a standout player from Telford's squad, you have to give a mention to Phil Trainer. The midfielder is one of the players who gives 100% in most games and is one of the only passionate players in the squad. Keeper Ryan Young has produced a few good performances too.

TEAM NEWS: 

It is unknown whether captain Paul Lorraine is back for the Fleet. He went off injured at Braintree and has not been involved since. Edwards has been stand-in captain in his absence. Moses Ashikodi is back to 100% fitness. Craig Stone had to have some stitches on Tuesday night after suffering a head injury at Hyde, the Fleet will be hoping he is available for selection. Ubay Luzardo once again came off the bench on Tuesday night, and midfielder David Azin is available for selection after his clearance was given. He has not made it into Daish's squad of 16 thus far. Stefan Payne is available for selection after serving his three-game ban.

Telford have a few doubts in their squad. Captain Ryan Valentine may not be available for selection. Goalkeeper Young has been captain in his absence. Michael Briscoe is out injured and Ian Craney, Luke Hubbins and Steve Jones could all be doubts.Dan Preston and Richard Davies could also miss out due to injury.One player who will more than likely be involved is former Fleet full back Will Salmon.

EBBSFLEET'S LAST SIX MATCHES (LDDLLD): 

Hyde 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Nuneaton Town
Barrow AFC 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
Braintree Town 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Forest Green Rovers
Cambridge United 1-1 Ebbsfleet United

TELFORD'S LAST SIX MATCHES (LDLLLL): 

AFC Telford United 0-2 Dartford
Forest Green Rovers 0-0 AFC Telford United
AFC Telford United 0-3 Nuneaton Town (Telford were relegated)
Lincoln City 3-2 AFC Telford United
Macclesfield Town 2-1 AFC Telford United
Woking 5-2 AFC Telford United

PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS: 

The two clubs have met three times since the new club were formed in May 2004. The Fleet winning two of them, and one ending in a draw. The two sides met plenty of times as Telford United and Gravesend and Northfleet. The first meeting was a 2-2 draw in September 1971 and the last time the sides met before the new club and name changes was a 1-1 draw in April 2004.

06.11.12. AFC Telford United 2-2 Ebbsfleet United.
14.04.12. Ebbsfleet United 3-2 AFC Telford United.
15.10.11. AFC Telford United 0-2 Ebbsfleet United.
10.04.04. Telford United 1-1 Gravesend and Northfleet.
23.08.03. Gravesend and Northfleet 1-2 Telford United.

LAST TIME OUT: 

06.11.12. AFC Telford United 2-2 Ebbsfleet United.

The Fleet twice came from behind to gain a well deserved draw, although they needed some late heroics from Preston Edwards to make sure they got the point.

After facing a long trip to Carlisle the Saturday before in the FA Cup, the Fleet had to travel to Shropshire to face Telford, who were sitting comfortably in the top twelve. The Bucks took the lead in the 6th minute of the match when Steve Jones headed home Steven Leslie's cross. The lead didn't last long however, as Nathan Elder equalised just two minutes later from Ashley Carew's pass. Jones scored his second midway through the first half with a finish low into the goal. The Bucks went into half-time with a deserved lead but the Fleet came back at them and they got their reward ten minutes into the second half when Elder got his second from the spot, after Carew was fouled. Patrick Ada gave the hosts a chance to win the game from the spot with just a couple of minutes left on the clock. Jones stepped up and Edwards dived to his right to stop Jones from scoring his hattrick.

Attendance: 1,542.