AFC Telford United ended their pre-season preparations on a high by thrashing Chester City - though it was no barrel of fun for wing-back Asa Charlton.
The Bucks hammered the League Two side 4-1 at the New Bucks Head on Saturday, Andy Brown and Liam Blakeman scoring their first goals for the club to add to earlier strikes by Lee Moore and Carl Rodgers.
But Asa Charlton, who earns his living during the week by delivering beer, was forced to sit it out after dropping a barrel on his foot on Friday.
The 31-year-old has broken a toe and will now be out for up to three weeks, though he was suspended for the first two games of the season in any case.
And boss Rob Smith was fairly upbeat today, declaring: “It was a great finish to our pre-season though it was tinged with a bit of disappointment that we gave them a goal, because I think the boys deserved a clean sheet.
“Chester brought a young side but we did the right things and took our chances.
“Browny and Liam both got goals and they needed that, so we’re happy.
“We got no more injuries and that’s the main thing, so we’re ready to go.
“Chester’s side were all full-time pros and you could tell that at times by the way they they passed it around, but I thought we looked strong and at the end I think they wanted to go home.
“We probably could have had 10 with the chances we had - Terry Fearns had four on his own.
“It was really pleasing and the whole of pre-season has gone well, though we’re not getting carried away.
“I reminded the boys that last year we had a mare of a pre-season and ended up finishing second so it counts for nothing.
“All I can say is that we feel in good nick.”
On Charlton’s freak injury, Smith added: “It’s really unlucky and it’s a bit of a nightmare for him really, but he shouldn’t be out too long.”
By Chris Hudson
Share this article:
What are these?