Boss Rob Smith hailed a stirring performance from AFC Telford United to win the Shropshire Senior Cup – and called for the same grit in the league.

The Bucks held League Two hosts Shrewsbury Town to a 1-1 draw at the Prostar Stadium on Saturday, then brought the cup back to Telford for the first time since 1993 after winning 4-1 on penalties.

It was an impressive display from the Blue Square North side, and one that sent the 721 travelling fans into raptures.

But Smith warned that it will mean nothing if they go on to show the same weaknesses as last season when playing away on less appealing pitches.

“I think you can tell we have built a decent squad and we should be in for a good season again,” he said. “If we could play on pitches like Shrewsbury’s every week, then we would win the league.

“I keep saying to the players that we need to find an under-belly from somewhere to be able to go to the rough places as well, and not just do it on the good pitches.”

On the Senior Cup success, he added: “I was just happy with the draw and I said before the shoot-out that, win or lose, we had done ourselves proud.

“Hopefully the people of Shrewsbury can see now that we do play good football.

“I’m pleased for our fans more than anything. It means so much to the supporters – probably more than it does to myself.

“The support was awesome and hopefully we can get a few more down to buy season tickets on the back of it.”

Meanwhile, Smith will continue talks with trialist left-back Gareth Jelleyman and chairman Lee Carter as he seeks to agree a deal for the 28-year-old former Mansfield man.

“I’ll have my 25th chat with the chairman and see if we can do anything,” he added.