AFC Telford 2 Forest Green 0 - Match analysis

AFC Telford United could perhaps thank Chris Todd for his part in it should they secure Blue Square Premier survival.

The Forest Green defender was first at fault for the opening goal in the Bucks' 2-0 win last night, allowing Chris Sharp too much room to open the scoring eight minutes in.

And Todd, who was making his first appearance since tearing a hamstring on the opening day of the season, was sent off 10 minutes later for a rash two footed tackle on home winger Marlon Jackson, making it a miserable return to action.

The hosts made the most of their numerical advantage when Sharp scrambled in a second and despitesome nervy second-half moments did enough to warrant the points.

The red card, which was followed by a bizarre second deep in injury time when Forest Green's already substituted James Walshaw, was also dismissed, should not detract from a terrific Telford performance.

They were in front early when Will Salmon advanced onto Phil Trainer's lay-off and curled an inviting cross into the centre, which the unmarked Sharp headed firmly into the net.

Just as it did in the 2-1 win against Kidderminster two weeks ago, the early goal gave the whole ground a lift and the Bucks set about their opponents with a passion, pride and purpose that set the tone for the evening.

They were certainly given a helping hand when Todd flew into an unnecessary challenge on Jackson wide on the left.

The visiting defender certainly got something of the ball but crashed through the Bristol City loanee with two feet to do so and could have few complaints.

For the remainder of the first-half, Telford dominated.

They utilised the extra space to great effect with Salmon, in particular, a roving force. Trainer and Richard Davies, partnered together in the middle of midfield, zipped the ball around nicely, while Jon Brown and Marlon Jackson combined well to play off Kyle Perry up front.

But it was Sharp who displayed the most clinical touch, prodding home a second goal from close range seven minutes before the interval.

A Brown corner bounced around the box for what seemed like an age before Sharp diverted the ball home.

In between the goals, there was some pleasing play from the hosts who created a spate of chances with neat one-touch football.

Jackson was thwarted by Jared Hodgkiss, while Davies went close with a half volley.

The visitors, who had struggled to find any rhythm, save for a bright opening five minutes, almost halved the deficit on the stroke of half time.

Chris Blackburn was adjudged to have fouled Michael Uwezu and Yan Klukowski curled the resultant free kick against the bar with goalkeeper Ryan Young well beaten.

Seconds after the re-start, only a superb saving tackle by Ryan Valentine prevented James Norwood from skipping through on goal, as the visitors threw caution to the wind.

Klukowski's set pieces caused the home defence problems while the lively Norwood continued to threaten, Shane Killock the next to deny him 20 minutes from time.

Telford also had chances with Jackson off target with a header and a volley, while somehow managing to put one shot out of the ground.

A raft of substitutions in the final 10 minutes dented the game's flow and one of the late arrivals – Telford's Ashley Cain – sparked a late brawl.

Cain had been shielding the ball close to the corner flag when he was unfairly challenged by a frustrated Chris Stokes.

That sparked a melee which Norwood, replaced 10 minutes earlier in the game, felt the need to run 40 yards from the visiting dugout to get involved in.

He subsequently picked up a second yellow, despite trying to hide from the referee behind team-mates.

That was a comedic way for the game to end, but Telford fans can also allow themselves a few smiles at the league table.

It reads - six points clear, five games to go.

Alex James

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