Telford draw on historic triumph

Smith saw Telford eventually lose to Everton in the 1984/85 competition

Telford will use the memories of beating Lincoln City in the first round of the FA Cup in a bid to inspire them to beat the Imps again, 25 years on.

In 1984, Telford drew 1-1 with Lincoln at Sincil Bank, then beat them 2-1 at Bucks Head in a replay.

"Anywhere near that would be great," the Blue Square North side's manager Rob Smith told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"It's the FA Cup and, on the day, we stand as good a chance as anybody - we've got nothing to lose."

Twenty five years ago, Telford went on to beat Preston, Bradford City and Darlington before losing 3-0 to eventual finalists Everton at Goodison Park.

You can't get enough information on your opponents - we'll try and get a game plan to win it. Telford manager Rob Smith

It was Telford's best run in the FA Cup and Smith has vivid memories of the Everton clash.

"I was in the Telford end as a Telford fan for the day. I remember they put up a really good fight," he said.

The Bucks boss has done his homework on the Imps by calling on former Telford players Jim Bentley, now at Morecambe, and Sean Parrish, now at Northampton Town, to pick their brains about their League Two rivals Lincoln.

"It's been nice to call on a few old friends," said Smith. "You can't get enough information, and we'll try and get a game plan to win it.

"[Lincoln boss] Chris Sutton has come in and the first thing he's done is get them tight at the back - he's keeping clean sheets."

The Bucks also reached the first round proper last season and went close to beating Southend, but a late Shrimpers goal took the tie to a replay, where Telford lost 2-0 at Roots Hall.

Rob Smith's side have beaten Pegasus Juniors, Worcester City and Blyth Spartans to reach the first round this time.

You can hear full match coverage of AFC Telford United against Lincoln City in the first round of the FA Cup live on BBC Radio Shropshire from 1300 GMT on 96 FM, DAB digital radio and online at bbc.co.uk/shropshire.