Determined boss Rob Smith today insisted AFC Telford United could still achieve their promotion dream - despite giving themselves a play-off mountain to climb after a 2-0 defeat at Barrow.The Bucks’ hopes of reaching the top tier of non-League football took a severe dent as a result of last night’s disappointment at Holker Street in their play-off semi-final first leg.
But Smith insists the tie is far from over - and believes they could yet turn it around at the New Bucks Head on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve got a bit of a mountain to climb there really, because if you look at their defence it’s difficult to break down,” he said of their Cumbrian opponents.
“But we’re still in it. Football is a funny game and we’re not going to give up now.
“I’m sure we’ll have a packed house, I’m sure the fans will get behind us, and we’ll do our best.”
Telford’s tactics had been to keep it tight and play on the break, and it had been going smoothly until a defensive slip allowed Barrow substitute Paul Tait in to open the scoring on 72 minutes. Nick Rogan made it two for the hosts 10 minutes later.
“I thought we were reasonably comfortable and everything was going to plan,” added Smith. “I’m really disappointed with the goals we conceded.
“The fans were brilliant clapping us off at the end despite the result and we’ll give it a go for them. Two goals are not beyond us.”
An injury to defender Stuart Whitehead was another lowpoint of the evening for the Bucks, the 31-year-old going off after just 28 minutes with a pulled hamstring.
That is a severe blow for Smith, who now expects to be without his most experienced player for the second leg.
Meanwhile, the Telford boss was also today waiting for confirmation that right wing-back Lee Vaughan will be available despite picking up his 15th booking of the season last night.
Vaughan would have missed the entire play-off campaign had he got that booking at Burscough on Saturday, as the suspension would then have been immediate.
But Smith’s understanding of the rules is that the ban will now carry over into next season because the caution has come in the play-offs instead.
In the other Blue Square North semi-final, Southport made home advantage count with a 1-0 first leg victory over Stalybridge.
By Chris Hudson
Loading ...
7 Comments
you have a second chance at it, it will be tuff but it’s not out of reach and has you probably know anything can happen in a game of football good luck for sunday lads hold your heads up and hit barrow right were it hurts! Come on fans get behind the team you never know barrow may just crack being in front of a big crowd!!
A few weeks ago TUFC fans were telling us the derby was back on. Oh dear it looks like that boast was a bit premature eh ?
As Town remain in league 2 and you boys are struggling to get out of ….what’s it called ? league !
All the best for your second leg, but be more careful in future before announcing our demise and your promotion.
Davey Boy,
Would that be similar to claims from along the A5 back in August that the Town were headed for League One? The words pot & kettle spring to mind…
You never know in football granted but scoring
three past a brick wall highly unlikely imho. You will have to show more in the final third than you did @ Holker Street without a doubt.
good luck in the next game, exeter came a purler last night losing 2.1 at home to torquay. they face an uphill battle but my advice to both exeter and telford, it is only half time, keep practising penalty taking that is what got stfc promotion after playoffs. remember it is only half time, all things are possible
don’t worry telford its only half time.
you could be four down by the end
Nice to see so many shrews fans posting. Suppose thats all you can do seeing as you didnt make your play- offs.
Enjoy the moment while it lasts, we did too -watching youre high aspirations slowly disappearing down the toilet.
Mock our fans owned club all you want. Youre hardly flying the flag for shropshire football yourselves.