Andy Sinton sets AFC Telford sights on Football League

Ambitious boss Andy Sinton insists AFC Telford United will aim to make their mark in the Conference Premier, declaring: "This is a Football League club in the making."

The Bucks sealed promotion to the top tier of non-League football with a dramatic victory over Guiseley in the Blue Square Bet North play-off final yesterday - coming from 2-1 down with 11 minutes to go to seal a 3-2 victory through a Phil Trainer header deep into injury-time.

It sparked emotional scenes as fans celebrated the return of top flight non-League football to Telford after a seven-year absence.

"I've got to say 10 out of 10 for our character and never-say-die attitude," said Sinton, who only replaced Rob Smith as Telford manager in June last year.

"All season we have been written off but we have played 43 league games (including the play-offs) and only lost four of them.

"We didn't turn enough of the draws into wins and that's why Alfreton beat us to the title," he added.

"But I hope we can kick on now because when I looked around yesterday at our ground and all those fans, I could see a League club in the making.

"That is going to take time, it's certainly not going to happen in the next two years.

"But we're probably a year ahead of schedule so let's enjoy it."

Sean Newton gave the Bucks a dream start with a 10th minute penalty at the New Bucks Head yesterday but they found themselves trailing when the visitors scored twice in three minutes either side of half-time.

Substitute Liam Murray headed the equaliser and Trainer then bagged the dramatic winner —with Sinton insisting his squad was good enough to compete at the next level.

"I think the majority of players who have helped to get the club back to where they belong will be retained and offered the opportunity to be part of the next chapter," he added.

"Like any club there will be comings and goings, that's a natural thing, but that will all come out in the wash in the next few days.

"I'm absolutely delighted today for everyone, but mostly for the fans — they're back home and they deserve to enjoy it.

"But it's taken seven years to get here so it's no good going up now and bouncing straight back down — the next part is to consolidate and push on again."

By CHRIS HUDSON