AFC Telford United’s stuttering squad have had their desire for success called into question by an angry management team after two Easter defeats.

The Bucks went down to a tame 2-0 beating at Nuneaton yesterday to follow up Saturday’s 5-1 drubbing at home to Southport.

That has ended their hopes of winning the Blue Square North and, with four of the top seven to play in their last five games, has left them in a scrap to stay in the play-offs.

Manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers pulled no punches as they assessed their shock setback.

And Chambers declared: “We’ve got ourselves in a great position but people need reminding that we’re not even in the play-offs yet.

“Yesterday we questioned the character, we questioned the desire.

“It’s the first time I’ve thought a team have wanted it more than we did. Nuneaton were more passionate, and they thoroughly deserved it.

“It’s worrying for us because it’s come at a time when we really need to be winning to: A) cement our place in the play-offs, and B) go into them in some kind of form.

“The lads are remaining positive. They know their desire has been questioned and we’ve thrown the gauntlet down to prove us wrong, to prove they’re good enough to be in the play-offs.”

Assessing his team’s performance, Chambers was no less critical – accusing them of putting in an “inept” display.

“I was more positive after being beaten 5-1 by Southport than I am after this,” he said.

“I’m really disappointed. For some reason we lacked any sort of spark and I don’t think we ever looked like scoring.

“We started well again and we had set-piece after set-piece but once again we didn’t take the chances that come our way. I thought it was a poor performance.

“Five, six, seven players are playing below the levels they set for themselves and we can’t get away with that.”

Meanwhile, Telford’s reserves host Burton Albion at the New Bucks Head tonight in the first of two second string games this week.

Tonight’s clash is in the Central Conference League, and they follow that with a trip to Redditch in the cup on Thursday.

By Chris Hudson