Lee Dodgson of Stalybridge and Lee Vaughan of AFC Telford Utd. Picture by James Baylis.

The lure of Dublin for a few pints of Guinness over St Patrick’s Day meant I missed the home double header against Eastwood and Stalybridge – although by all accounts I didn’t miss much, writes AFC Telford blogger Alex James.

Danny Carey-Bertram’s last minute winner salvaged a point against the Badgers before a Kevin O’Connor own goal consigned the Bucks to defeat against Celtic.

The two matches also saw two new debutants (well, it has been a while since a new face) with the acquisition of Mark Beesley in time for the Eastwood match and Matt Blair, who debuted against Stalybridge.

By all accounts both had solid enough showings – although it’s debatable whether either will offer anything more than has been tried this season.

Telford are now winless in six league games and have managed only two goals in that period so again management duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers tried to freshen up the squad in a bid for points.

Unfortunately the two new faces couldn’t bring about a victory and the Bucks now face another ‘must win’ game against Hyde United on Saturday.

And by the time that match kicks off Telford could be as many as three places and six points off the play-offs.

All the Bucks can do is look for six wins and hope their kinder run in, and the fixture congestion facing other teams, means that 66 points gives them a top five finish.

On a more positive note, at least the future is looking bright for the Bucks. As well as the solid foundations AFC Telford United were founded, and now run on, the club’s youngsters have all but sealed the Midland Floodlit Youth League after a 3-1 win over Sutton Coldfield moved them within a point of the title.

Striker Dave Howarth was among the goals, netting a brace, and he appears the brightest prospect of forcing himself into the first team.

He had a trial with Premier League side Blackburn Rovers earlier in the season, and has been on the bench for the Bucks this year.

But with the all-conquering squad having won 15 of their 16 matches there is plenty more where Haworth has come from.

So while first team matters may not have gone precisely to plan, the future of the club – both on and off the field – looks in very good health.

And in a world of clubs going bust and youth academies being scrapped, at least that is something to be thankful for.