Market Drayton 0 AFC Telford 1 - Report and pictures

AFC Telford United did just enough to make the Shropshire Senior Cup play-off final after Nathan Rooney’s last gasp winner saw off the spirited challenge of Market Drayton Town at a rain-soaked Greenfields.

Substitute Rooney struck in the 89th minute to end the home side’s resistance and book Telford a date with The New Saints in a repeat of last year’s final at their Park Hall ground on Saturday.

The Bucks will have to improve from this showing if they are to get past the Welsh Premier League full-timers with the visitors struggling to find any rhythm in what was a very even encounter.

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With Telford boss Andy Sinton away assistant Mike Davies took charge and handed debuts to new signings Jake Reid and Luke Hubbins while also including trialists Tom Roberts, Michael McGrath and Darryl Knights in a side that featured just four players who started the final game of last season at Gateshead.

No doubt that turnover will have played a part in Telford’s sluggish start but in truth they were outfought by a Drayton side for who this game bodes very well for their Evo-Stik League division one south season.

The home side began the brightest and enjoyed the better of the early stages. And they should have gone in front on 17 minutes when Bucks keeper Ryan Young dropped a routine cross allowing Dorryl Proffitt the simple task of rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

But the Drayton frontman dallied prior to getting his shot away allowing Dan Preston to race back and clear off the line.

In a half of few clear cut chances Telford trialist McGrath, a centre midfielder who spent time with Halesowen Town last season, struck the angle with a curling free-kick as the Bucks struggled to make an impact.

The home side, who were only to name a squad of 14 that included veterans Andy Pryce and Andy Cooke on the bench, looked composed in possession and carried the greater threat for the duration of the opening period but neither keeper was really called into action.

It was a different story after the break as the visitors, backed by a healthy away following, upped the tempo.

Steve Jones, lively on the left flank throughout, came close with a half volley which flashed just wide of Matty Cohen’s far post.

Luke Hubbins and Jones again came close as Telford continued to force the play in what was now heavy rain. But a dogged and determined rearguard action from Drayton continued to stifle the Bucks who saw chances come and go.

Knights, another on trial with the visitors, sliced wide when in a good position while Chris Sharp, on at half time for new signing Reid, lashed an effort into the side netting.

At the other end Drayton threatened on the counter and at set-pieces with Nicky Porter a menace on the wing and substitute Cooke providing a focal point in attack.

In truth though neither side did enough to win the game but, with penalties looming large, Telford substitute Rooney took advantage of a slip from home skipper Paul McMullen to collect Jones’ pass on the left hand side of the box before rifling a shot into the roof of the net.

Market Drayton Town: Cohen, Sweatman, Conner (Cooke 64), Goodhead, McMullen, Blake, Porter, Wells, Ryan, Fox (Turner 73), Proffitt. Subs not used: Pryce

AFC Telford United: Young, Salmon, Roberts, Blackburn, Preston, McGrath (Rooney 60), Davies, Knights (Trainer 70), Jones, Hubbins, Reid (Sharp HT). Subs not used: Valentine, Agbonlahor.