AFC Telford United claimed their place in the final of the Blue Square North play-offs – but only after a few scares along the way.

The Bucks were 2-0  ahead after Wednesday night’s first leg at the New Bucks Head thanks to goals from Danny Carey-Bertram and Emeka Nwadike.

But that advantage was wiped out within the first 16 minutes of the second leg at the Impact Arena.

All the Bucks hopes of keeping things tight were thrown out of the window as Alfreton took the lead on eight minutes, and doubled it another eight minutes later to leave the score all-square on aggregate

But winger Danny Edwards immediately hit back for the Bucks in the 17th minute, slotting home a rebound after a save by the Alfreton keeper.

The Bucks then restored their two goal advantage to the delight of the over 1,100 travelling fans when Carey-Bertram scored from Liam Blakeman’s pull-back in the 40th minute.

The second half began as badly for the Bucks as the first with Alfreton scoring again to make it 3-2 on the day – although still 4-3 to Telford on aggregate.

But Carl Rodgers again calmed the nerves by making it 3-3.

Then Alfreton were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box and Bucks keeper Ryan Young could not keep out the spot kick.

That set up a frantic final 15 minutes, but the Bucks survived the Alfreton bombardment to win 5-4 on aggregate, despite losing 4-3 on the day.

For the full match report and pictures see tomorrow’s Shropshire Star