A quick return to Conference North? Let's hope not. The pies aren't worth it.United flirt with relegation!

 Today AFC Telford take on mid table Braintree in the Conference Premier.

After three weeks without competitive action due to snow and frozen pitches Blue Square Conference Premier outfit AFC Telford take on a Braintree side who have managed to pull well clear of the relegation scrap and sit in mid table.

It is squeaky bum time for Telford who are flirting with relegation after a desperate run of results which has seen them pick up only two league wins since the end of September 2011 and their league position has sunk to one place away from the relegation zone.

Over the past few seasons Braintree have effected a spectacular rise through the ranks – in 1996 the club was playing in the Isthmian League Division Three.

Since then four promotions in ten years saw the club promoted to the Conference South in 2005-6.

They then lost two play-off finals in the Conference South before finishing last season seven points clear of their nearest challengers comfortably securing promotion to the elite of non-league football.

Former England and West Ham United midfielder Alan Devonshire took charge last summer and has steered them to a respectable mid table position in the Conference.

For Telford the season started promisingly but failure to convert chances is costing them dearly. Boss Andy Sinton has seen a major overhaul of the squad over the past few months so let’s hope some of the new talent can spark this comatose club into life.

Talismanic striker Adam Proudlock could return to action today and he is badly needed to add some firepower to a lacklustre attack.

How the other half live.

Telford’s last fixture against Kettering was called off due to a frozen pitch.

The game was due to be played behind closed doors with fans of neither team present due to Kettering’s failure to pay their policing bill and the local bobbies decided that they had extended enough credit . With no police on duty Kettering were asked to play the game with no supporters allowed in the ground.

So Telford have not seen competitive action for three long weeks although they did arrange a friendly against Mansfield town midweek in which they administered a 5-0 thrashing. If only they can bring that form to today’s game.

Telford sit one place above the relegation places equal on 28 points with Kettering.

Let’s have the fans out in force today and cheer the Bucks to a badly needed victory.

Match day Information:

The match will be segregated with Braintree Town supporters hosted in the Frank Nagington Stand. Admission prices are £13 adults, £10 concessions, £5 for ages 14-18 and £1 for under-14s.

Car-parking at the ground is limited and supporters are advised to arrive early. There are 85 spaces available at the ground and TCAT car-park will also be open, with all car-parking charged at £3 per vehicle.

The 64-page match day programme will be available for £2.50.

The Learning Centre Bar will be open from 12noon, with the turnstiles and snack-bars inside the ground open from 1.30pm.