Sean Newton and Chris Hall in action. Picture by Peter Shah

It’s a game AFC Telford United will know they should have won – yet they can have no complaints about the final outcome of the match on Tuesday, February 9.

The Bucks carved out a multitude of first half chances, and it seemed fate was on their side as they finally took one deep into first half stoppage time.

But their second half showing was so disappointing, the reaction flat after Gainsborough Trinity pinched an early equaliser.

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Phil Trainer’s late header might have spared their blushes but it was not to be as the visitors pounced for an even later leveller.

Former Shrewsbury Town winger Sam Aiston and Luke Beckett combined for both the Trinity goals, the former Football League duo proving they still have some magic in the old boots.

And Telford’s assistant manager Larry Chambers pointed the finger of blame at his whole team rather than the defence alone.

“If I was one of our defenders, I’d be frustrated about the amount of protection I had in front of me,” he said.

“Whilst I don’t think we defended greatly, the goals have generally come because we haven’t dealt with things in front of the defence. I’m angry about that.”

Telford got on top almost from the first whistle, though it was Gainsborough who went closest to an opener as Aiston weaved his way to the edge of the box and drew a good save out of goalkeeper Ryan Young.

It was all Telford from that point, and they created a catalogue of chances in the final 15 minutes of the first half.

Damian Reeves was only inches out with a speculative chip that dropped fractionally wide of the upright.

Andy Brown then saw a header off a Newton corner deflect off Reeves and cannon off the near post before being scrambled away.

Shane Killock glanced a header over the top off another corner and Brown was then denied as keeper Phil Barnes saved with his legs after a through ball from Chris Nurse.

The pressure had to tell and the Bucks were finally in front deep into stoppage time as Brown bundled the ball in off yet another dangerous Newton corner.

All-time

It was a big moment for Brown, who as well as notching his 13th of the season also took his overall Telford tally to 33 – level in the club’s all-time list with Lee Moore.

Yet any elation he was feeling must have drained away immediately at the start of the second half as Trinity took less then three minutes to draw level.

Aiston was allowed to run unchecked at the defence and he fed Beckett, who brushed Killock away with all too much ease before drilling home.

The visitors grew in confidence from there, and could even have been ahead when Chris Hall ran through, but Young reacted quickly to race off his line and block the shot.

Telford never really regained their rhythm again, though they still managed to carve out a couple of openings.

Brown had a header cleared off the line by Nathan Peat, while Trainer fired wide from close range and Reeves stabbed a half-chance wide.

They reclaimed the lead from a free-kick after keeper Barnes was penalised for handling outside his area.

Newton delivered and Trainer flew in with a strong diving header to put the Bucks within touching distance of a third straight victory.

Yet it was not to be, as Aiston and Beckett combined again to deliver a painful 89th minute sting in the tail.

“I was shouting from the sidelines that we need to keep our shape,” added Chambers.

“Instead, we go kamikaze and go for the third goal.

“It breaks down and Sam Aiston, whose had a good game throughout the 90, has been allowed to run through.

“Luke Beckett’s pulled off a great finish and it was our own doing because we made too many mistakes.”

It’s still seven points from the last nine up for grabs.

That’s a good return, but the reality of Telford’s current position is that good isn’t good enough if there is to be a late play-off charge.

By Chris Hudson