Blog: AFC Telford United passed up their first opportunity to register a double with a disappointing defeat against a resolute Solihull Moors, writes Rob Hughes

Immediately before the game started two main concerns were at the forefront of my mind — the presence of a large centre-forward in the opposition ranks, and Liam Murray on our bench.

I understand the manager’s desire to stick with a winning team and Whitehead had performed well at Stalybridge last weekend, but from early on the omission of Murray was worrying.

The second of the concerns — the referee failing to manage the minute’s silence successfully set the tone for an inept performance. This resulted in a frustrated performance from the Bucks. No decisions seemed to go our way.

And it all started so encouragingly after an extremely bright opening 20 minutes, where we could have been three goals to the good was rapidly undone following the harsh sending off of Phillip John, moments after the Solihull full-back fouled Greg Mills and only received a yellow card. This lack of consistency only added to the temperature inside the New Bucks Head.

Proudlock took some stick up front —often alone — without complaint and took his two goals well, yet on a different day he could have had four. When we can get Andy Brown fit, I do believe we will have a potent strike force — especially with Meechan providing the bullets.

Rodgers can count himself unlucky, having been sacrificed for more attacking options late on, with Trainer failing to step up to the plate with the Bucks down to ten men and up against it.

Eleven against 14 is difficult at the best of times, but 10 against 14 is even harder, especially with knocks and bumps. All we can take from this is the quick turnaround in games, regroup and go again. Droylsden tonight won’t be easy, but it will certainly be a big test of character and will show exactly where our aspirations for the title do lie.

Onwards and upwards, we never did say things would all go smoothly! There are many more twists and turns yet, as the season progresses at a frantic pace!

C’mon the Bucks!