Boss Rob Smith praised AFC Telford United’s “awesome” fans as the Bucks came from behind to win a Boxing Day derby at Stafford Rangers.

An impressive 1,022 supporters made the short journey to Marston Road, and saw three second half goals seal a 3-1 win against their financially-stricken hosts.

Smith was delighted to record an eighth straight victory in the Blue Square North, but admitted his side had produced their worst performance in weeks.

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“Stafford Rangers didn’t see the best of us yesterday but they’ll see the best of us at home (on New Year’s Day),” he declared.

“We let ourselves down a little bit but we still got the three points and that’s what it’s all about – and I don’t think anyone could argue with the fact that the best team won.

“I’d have been gutted to have gone away with nothing, especially with all those fans having gone to support us.

“The turnout was very special, the fans were awesome and I’m glad for them that we came back and did the job, because we weren’t vintage.”

Telford had been one down at the break but Smith made a double substitution and was then forced into a third when Lee Vaughan was carried off with suspected ankle ligament damage – he is now a major doubt for Thursday’s return fixture.

An own goal brought Telford level before a controversial penalty put them in front, Andy Brown converting. Danny Carey-Bertram sealed the win with the third.

“We were made to work for it by our own deficiencies, not their strengths,” said Smith.

“I was really disappointed by the first half and you could see by my substitutions that I wasn’t very happy. I felt as if they were there for the taking at the back, so we went with three up front.

“The penalty looked a bit dubious, but we should have had one in the first few minutes with Terry Fearns being pulled back.

“We answered a few questions by coming back, and showed some real character.”

By CHRIS HUDSON