PREVIEW | AFC Telford United (H)
Venue: Farley Way Stadium, Farley Way, Quorn LE12 8RB
Date & Time: Saturday 7th of October 2023 (KO 15:00)
Quorn resume their FA Trophy campaign on Saturday as they look to reach the first round proper for the first time in the history of the club.
Quorn’s Form:
Quorn completed an unbeaten September, with four wins and a draw, scoring 20 and conceding eight. Victories came at home in the league versus Walsall Wood (3-2) and Gresley Rovers (6-1), alongside Trophy wins against Coventry Sphinx (4-0) and Leek Town (4-2). The draw came away to Coleshill Town, as the Reds’ 10 men fought back to snatch a 3-3 draw in Midlands Division action.
AFC Telford United‘s Form:
After suffering relegation from the National League North last season, the Bucks have had a rough start to life in the Southern League, currently sitting 16th, just four points above the relegation zone. Through 11 matches this season, Telford have just three wins, the most recent being a 3-2 win away to St. Ives Town in early September.
In five matches away from New Bucks Head, Telford have won one, drawn two and lost two. The most recent result was a draw away to Stourbridge, coming from 2-0 down at the break to snatch a point. Prior to that they suffered back-to-back home defeats against Mickleover and Needham Market.
One to Watch:
Top-scorer last season, and so far this season, is Montel Gibson, with six goals in 11 appearances. Formerly in the football league with Notts County and Grimsby Town, Gibson helped step four Halesowen Town reach the Trophy semi-final in 2020 as he recorded a fantastic return of 31 goals in 46 appearances.
FA Trophy History:
This is Quorn sixth FA Trophy campaign, the previous five coming in consecutive seasons starting in the 2007/08 season. This is the second time the Reds have made it to the third qualifying round, the other coming in 2009/10. In that year Quorn were drawn away to Radcliffe Borough, drawing 2-2 before winning the replay 6-3. There was another away draw in the second qualifying round, this time seeing a 0-0 draw at Boston United. Again Quorn were successful in the replay, winning 3-2 at home. The club were eliminated in the next round, away to Vauxhall Motors, a 3-2 loss.
Although they’re a new club, AFC Telford United rose from the ashes of Telford United when they had financial problems in 2004. The original club hold the joint record for most FA Trophy wins, with three (1970/71, 1982/83 & 1988/89). The Bucks were finalists in both of the first two seasons of the competition.
Tickets:
Available on the gate, £10 for Adults, £8 for Concessions & Free for Under 16s.