AFC Telford United suffer first league defeat of 2026
The Bucks fell to a first league defeat of 2026 in a lopsided encounter in Nottinghamshire, writes Rich Worton.
Kevin Wilkin’s team dictated play for long periods but weren’t clinical enough, and Worksop debutant Oli Greaves bagged a brace to win the game.
It didn’t take long for the first goal to arrive. Within the very first minute, the hosts took the lead. Aaron Martin was left unmarked in the centre, six yards out, and he capitalised on a left-wing cross from Lewis Whitham to nod the ball down and past Bucks’ goalkeeper Josh Gracey.
The early setback forced the Bucks to adjust quickly, but they tried to settle into their rhythm, focusing on ball movement and looking for an equaliser without panicking.
The Bucks created several chances throughout the first half, including a disallowed goal for Remi Walker, ruled offside, and a series of shots that failed to test Tigers’ keeper Lewis Forshaw - too often coming up just a little too high or wide of the target. A Charlie Williams free-kick was deflected just over the bar after Khanya Leshabela was fouled a few yards outside the box.
The second half brought similar possession but more intent, and the Bucks drew level just two minutes after the restart. In the 47th minute, Matty Stenson brought the Bucks level after a defender blocked an initial effort; Stenson made no mistake with the rebound, smashing the ball past Forshaw from close range.
The goal energised the Bucks, who began to dominate possession and create further opportunities, putting the Tigers under sustained pressure.
Forshaw blocked a Stenson effort with his legs as the striker was sent racing in on goal, and Alex Fletcher sent a rising shot just too high as Worksop struggled to clear their lines effectively.
Despite this, the Tigers regained the lead in the 70th minute. Against the run of play, Oli Greaves found space on the right side of the box and lifted the ball over Gracey, punishing the Bucks for a defensive lapse.
The goal disrupted the Bucks’ rhythm and gave the home side renewed confidence, and the Bucks' defence looked less composed in possession.
As the Bucks pushed forward in search of another equaliser, the Tigers struck again in stoppage time. A mistake from Cawthorne allowed Greaves to seize possession and score his second goal, sealing a 3-1 victory.
Worksop Town: Forshaw, Atherton, Sanders, Waterfall, Hall (Wedgbury 66), Redford, Starcenko, O’Malley, Whitham (Bencherif 90+3), Martin, Greaves. Subs not used: Wilde, Gooda, Whitman-Brown, Tarima, Woods.
AFC Telford United (4-3-3): Gracey, Dyer, Cranston (Dinanga 85), Piggott, Cawthorne, Fletcher, Walker (Hilton 72), Leshabela, Meddows, Stenson, Williams (Allen-Hadley 65). Subs not used: Fridye-Harper, Ikpakwu, Lawal, Armson.
Attendance: 769.
