Corby Town 0 AFC Telford United 0 - match report

It was a tale of two goalkeepers at the Rockingham Triangle as AFC Telford United retained their proud unbeaten record, writes Chris Hudson.

The Bucks No 1 was the hero of the first half, pulling off two wonder saves to almost single-handedly keep his side level at the break.

But it was a very different story in the second period, Telford dominating for long spells.

And it was former Buck Chris Mackenzie - now between the posts for Corby - who ensured the points were shared with a last gasp stop to deny Steve Abbott.

There was controversy surrounding that late incident, Telford adamant that the ball had crossed the line before Mackenzie scooped it away to safety.

Even Corby boss Graham Drury's post-match reaction hinted that they might have had a point, but none of the officials were convinced.

The hosts probably deserved a point in any case, and Telford were certainly far from their free-flowing best that they showed at the very start of the season.

Gone was the buccaneering football that saw the likes of Hyde and Gainsborough put to the sword so convincingly in August.

But Sinton and his squad should not beat themselves up too much about their performance.

They will know their standards have dipped a little in the last couple of games, yet they have come away from them with four points and two clean sheets.

It is this ability to dig in when not at your best that should stand them in good stead to stay in contention over the months to come.

Alfreton's defeat at home to Boston means Telford, despite dropping to fourth in the Blue Square Bet North table, are now the only unbeaten team left in the division.

If Sinton has any concerns they should be about the slow start his side made in Northamptonshire.

They showed enough in the second half to prove they were more than a match for one of the division's biggest spenders.

Sinton's side was boosted by the return of Derby loanee Greg Mills on the wing, while former QPR man Stefan Bailey was also handed a debut in place of unavailable midfielder Carl Rodgers.

But the Bucks were strangely subdued in the opening 45 minutes and Corby might have been out of sight by the time the half-time oranges were passed around.

That they were not was largely down to Young.

He made a stunning reflex save to keep out a close range Adam Webster header after 18 minutes and surpassed even that with a breath-taking stop to keep out Phil Gulliver's shot on the brink of the break.

Sinton admitted his half-time team talk was as animated as any he has delivered since taking the job and his words of wisdom certainly worked.

The second half show was more urgent, more energetic and above all more threatening.

The introduction of Philip John in place of Jon Adams, who was struggling with back spasms, certainly helped, though clear chances were still at a premium.

John should have won it late on when he rounded Mackenzie only to sidefoot his shot over the bar.

Corby rarely broke into the final third in the second half but could have snatched it at the death when Steve Diggin pulled a great chance wide.

But back at the other end, there was still time for the late drama with Mackenzie's dubious save from Abbott.

The FA Cup now offers a break from league action, and Telford can be satisfied with their progress.