Stafford 0 AFC Telford 2 - match report

The match may not live long in the memory but the result keeps AFC Telford United firmly in the title race.

Andy Sinton must be scratching his head at how his team can reach the middle of January with just one defeat to their name and still be four points off the pace.

But such has been the consistency of the top teams in the Blue Square Bet North this season that every draw feels almost like a defeat.

Against that backdrop, this victory was vital - and while it was done with little style it was still ground out with grim determination. The Bucks were far from at their best against a Stafford Rangers team that had frustrated them just 10 days earlier when claiming a 0-0 draw at the New Bucks Head.

But for some favourable refereeing decisions we might have been talking about a third consecutive blank scoresheet, with Stafford having justifiable complaints about both Tel-ford goals.

The first came from a blistering Phil John free-kick awarded for a high boot by Stafford man Sean Kinsella, though Telford midfielder Carl Rodgers did appear to have stooped low to try and head the ball.

The second came just six minutes from time, Andy Brown getting the benefit of the doubt when tussling with two defenders before running on and crossing to present Alex Meechan with a tap-in.

Those moments aside, talking points were thin on the ground with a muddy and uneven playing surface making any sort of passing game almost impossible.

Stafford - coming to terms with the shock departure of boss Tim Flowers - actually had the better of the first half.

Potential successors to Flowers looking on in the crowd included ex-Telford chief Bernard McNally.

And he must have been impressed by the contribution of two former Bucks players as Rangers made the better start.

Martyn Naylor served a reminder of his capabilities as an attacking full-back, whipping in an inviting 17th minute cross which Danny Edwards sent goalwards with a crisp volley.

It took a fine save from Ryan Young to keep it out, the keeper pulling off the first of three potentially match-winning saves.

He was at it again 10 minutes into the second half, diving low to his right to keep out a Jermaine Johnson header and then, 11 minutes later, he denied Ben Mills' effort off an Edwards corner.

While Young was doing his bit there was little going on at the other end to inspire. Phil Trainer registered Telford's first meaningful effort on goal on 41 minutes before John's masterful free-kick gave the visitors a half-time lead.

The Bucks were more dominant in the second period, Carl Rodgers and Sean Newton both having efforts blocked on the line.

The final margin of victory could even have been greater had debutant Lee Smith, on loan from Forest Green Rovers, not missed a minute from time.

"It's a great win in the circumstances," said boss Andy Sinton.

"You look at the table and people expect us to come here and roll them over but we knew it wasn't going to be like that."

Telford must focus in the weeks ahead if they are to be in a position to pounce should league leaders Alfreton slip up.

They certainly have the consistency to last the pace - this was, after all, their ninth game in a row without defeat.

It also marked the halfway point in the season. Twenty games gone, 20 to go - it promises to be a hell of a ride.