“We’re only six points off the play-offs you know!”

Those were the words of one delighted AFC Telford United fan immediately after the final whistle sounded to confirm a deserved victory.

And while the sentiment may be wildly optimistic, there is no doubting that this Telford team is finding its feet in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

With a quarter of the league season already gone, fans, management and players alike are now starting to look eagerly above them in the table, rather than anxiously over their shoulders.

Alfreton – a side who, let’s not forget, strolled to the Blue Square Bet North title a whole 10 points clear of the Bucks last season – were very much second best last night.

They barely got near the Telford goal in the first period and were lucky to go in on level terms after what was a largely uninspiring 45 minutes.

Jon Adams was closest to breaking the deadlock during the hosts’ best spell just past the half hour mark.

He first fired a half-volley straight at keeper Dan Lowson then forced the visiting No 1 into a spectacular save with a firm header off Chris Sharp’s inviting cross that was heading for the top corner.

The visitors, who have now failed to win at the New Bucks Head in seven attempts dating back to the last season of the old Telford United, had their brightest moments early in the second half.

Josh Law, son of manager Nicky, rattled the post with a fierce free-kick moments before Jake Moult bent a shot inches wide after Telford skipper Shane Killock had uncharacteristically given away possession.

The Bucks, though, always appeared more likely to make something happen – and finally lived up to the promise as the scored what proved to be the only goal of the game on 68 minutes.

Andy Brown was the creator with a measured overhead kick that released strike partner Sharp.

Defender Adie Hawes should have dealt with the situation but he stumbled and the in-form hitman needed no second invitation, bursting in to side-foot a crisp strike past the advancing Lowson for his third goal in four games.

The Reds were now feeding on scraps and relying on shots from long distance – Moult drawing a decent save out of Bucks No 1 Ryan Young with one effort just two minutes after his side had taken the lead.

Keeper Young has been in fine form of late and saved his best moment of this contest for the 89th minute, when he reached out a fully extended arm to turn Andy Holdsworth’s 30-yard pile-driver over the bar.

Telford though, should have been out of sight by then – Richard Davies and Sharp both having spurned chances to extend the lead.

Substitute Adam Proudlock was also denied deep into what was an unfathomable five minutes of injury-time, Telford finding space on the counter-attack as Alfreton took unavoidable risks.

The narrow margin of victory will matter little for now however, with manager Andy Sinton simply delighted to have got the job done.

It’s eight points from a run of four games unbeaten for Telford, who are warming to their task with every passing game.

By Chris Hudson