Could the Bucks rocket up the league?
Rich Worton looks ahead to the forthcoming games for AFC Telford Utd.
November could be a pivotal month for AFC Telford United, and with matches coming up against several of their closest rivals, they have a chance to light the blue touchpaper on their season.
The Bucks have yet to really catch fire, but they sit within striking distance of the top of the Southern League’s Premier Central division.
They also have the prospect of an FA Trophy tie, and although they’re still a long way from Wembley, a victory would take them to the stage of the competition involving the top teams from the National League.
Their star man this season to date is Ricardo Dinanga, who has six goals to his credit and surely more to come. The 22-year-old striker, who was once with Coventry City, was born and raised in Ireland but speaks fluent Portuguese – that’s some combination.
Here’s our look at their forthcoming fixtures…
Bishop’s Stortford Town – 2nd November, 3:00 pm @ The SEAH Stadium
The Bucks’ first opponent in November is the Bishops. Last season, they were relegated from the National League North, and the Hertfordshire team has also struggled in the early months of this season.
They began the month in the relegation places and were battered in the FA Trophy at home in their last game before heading to Shropshire, losing 6-1 to Felixstowe and Walton United.
Bucks manager Kevin Wilkin has been around for too long to read too much into what the Bishops have done this season. After such a big defeat last weekend, he’ll warn his side not to take the Bishops lightly and to expect a response to their humbling in the Trophy.
In addition to the game, the Bucks have nominated this match as the day they’ll hold their Remembrance commemoration.
Tickets:
https://afctelfordunited.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/2425_afc_telford_united_v_bishops_stortford
Stamford FC – 9th November, 3:00 pm @ The Zeeco Stadium
Hitting the road for the first time in November, the Bucks will travel to Lincolnshire to face Stamford FC, one of the early-season front runners.
The Bucks recorded home and away victories over the ‘Dannies’ last season. The team’s nickname comes from Daniel Lambert, who lived in the town in the late 1700s and was recorded as the fattest man in England at 52 stone!
This certainly looks like a heavyweight contest in prospect…
Kettering Town FC – 12th November, 7:45 pm @ The SEAH Stadium
The league-leading Poppies arrive in Shropshire for a rescheduled fixture, postponed from October due to Kettering’s run to the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The visitors’ manager is Richard Lavery, a former Bucks player. He’s beefed up his squad by adding three former Premier League players to his forward line.
Nile Ranger, once of Newcastle United, has been joined by Marvin Sordell, the ex-Bolton Wanderers and Watford player who represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. Gary Hooper, who played PL football for Norwich City and Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic, joined them last month. In his career, Hooper commanded fees of several million pounds, so the Bucks will have their hands full. However, they have a striking talent in Dinanga and will be hoping he can cut down the Poppies.
Hadley FC – 16th November, 3:00 pm @ Brickfield Lane
The Isuzu FA Trophy replaces league action as the Bucks reach the middle of the month with a road trip; however, rather than heading down Haybridge Road, they’re off to North London.
The draw that pitted Hadley FC against the Bucks certainly brought out some wisecracks about the Bucks not having far to travel, and they must travel to face opponents from a division lower but who are at the top of the table and flying.
This won’t be an easy tie for the Bucks, but having already defeated Cleethorpes Town and Mickleover FC, they can smell a cup run…
St Ives Town – 23rd November, 3:00 pm @ The SEAH Stadium
Before you ask, it’s the one in Cambridgeshire, not Cornwall! The Bucks are back at home for this one, and it’s the first meeting of the season with a side they beat both home and away in the 2023/24 season.
The visitors just lost their leading scorer, Jonny Edwards, to league rivals Kettering Town, but their early season form has been fairly good. They entered November only a couple of points behind the Bucks, so this should be another competitive encounter.
After the match, the Bucks also host the return of their Hall of Fame Legends evening, when figures from the club’s past will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. Bucks supporters have been nominating for the past month, and some notable names are in contention, but it promises to be a great evening of nostalgia.
Leiston FC – 30th November, 3:00 pm @ Victory Road
November ends with a long haul down to Suffolk to face Leiston FC. It’s the second-longest road trip the Bucks have to make, and it’s one they’ve not enjoyed in the past.
Leiston knocked the Bucks out of the FA Cup on penalties after a goalless draw here in 2020, and last season, Kevin Wilkin’s team were delayed en route, kicked off late and lost 2-1 to the home side.
Their fortunes when making this trip are surely due to change? How will the Bucks’ season look when you’re opening the first door on your Advent calendar? Their November fixtures could go a long way towards shaping their destiny…
Pic: Mike Sheriden – The Bucks 2-1 victory at Harborough Town, celebrating Ricardo Dinanga’s winning goal.
