Progression - that was the only positive AFC Telford United manager Rob Smith could take from last night’s extra-time win against Solihull Moors in the second round of the Setanta Shield.
Steve Jagielka produced a winner in the 95th minute for the Bucks after Martyn Naylor had given United an early lead from the penalty spot, but Smith was seething that his side had failed to kill off the tie in normal time.
“A rubbish display, really disappointing,” said Smith with conviction. “When we play football we look a decent side but we were just sloppy in our passing, sloppy in everything.
“The only positive was that we got through - the rest of it was an appaling performance in my eyes.
“The first 20 minutes we were fast out of the blocks and deservedly got a goal, but then we went into our shell again.
“Liam Blakeman was absolutely sensational and we’ve had to put Jon Adams on to win the game really. They look like the only two who can play football in the team at the moment and it’s not good enough.
“I think we will be looking to sign some more players now, some on loan and some permanent. It’s been on our mind for a while in all honesty.
“We have got players who are interested in coming here, so maybe it’s time to shake it up a bit.”
Smith made four changes to the side that drew against Workington on the weekend, Naylor, Carl Rodgers, Emeka Nwadike and Jarred Stevens all given their chance.
It was also hoped that long-term absentee Jimmy Turner would make his return from injury from the substitutes’ bench, but the nature of the tie prevented Smith from throwing him on.
Smith added: “Jimmy was dying for half hour tonight and we were hoping that we’d be comfortable enough to give him that but we had to put three attacking players on, and that’s disappointing as well.
“We shouldn’t have to bring on three players to win the game against a poor Solihull side.”
By Sean Wozencroft
One Comment
What do you expect when the team is not the same for two games running.