Have AFC Telford turned the corner?

Well, that was a much needed and relieving win at the weekend writes AFC Telford blogger Dan Clark.

We came into the game against Kettering off our worst result of the season. Sinton obviously didn't wait around to make some changes, getting rid of many fringe players and injecting some quality and experience that we need to survive in this division.

I was quite surprised at the team sheet, however. Some of our ever present players this season were dropped, with the new faces immediately being integrated into the squad. The Kettering game was a perfect opportunity to do this, as the Poppies are having troubles that have led to a winless run since October, including some thrashings on the way. By changing the squad and trying to change the play, we experimented with tactics to see what suits our play.

It was a massive positive to see Jay Smith back in the squad after his suspension. He provides a good distribution of the ball and is an amazing holding midfielder in this league. If we can hold onto him permanently, we will have a real asset at the club.

The first half we didn't manage to gel, though. The long balls played to Perry weren't working efficiently and we didn't pass the ball around like we have done in previous games. Kettering took the lead through Jean-Paul Marna after a defensive error that left the striker to slot home. Telford started to push back, having chances through the impressive Marlon Jackson and Chris Sharp.

The Bucks' reward came just before half time, after another massive defensive error, which Sharp latched on to and slotted home. This was such a positive to see, as we were starting to capitalise on the opposition's mistakes, and we were rewarded for it.

The second half was a different story. It represented the style of football we should be playing at this level. For the first time this season, we looked lethal, we looked clinical and most importantly we consistently worried the defence when we came onto the attack. Jackson looks like the calibre of player we need, he brought pace into the midfield and tried to integrate the strikers at every opportunity. Perry kept on holding the ball well to introduce others into the attack and we also used the wings where Jackson and Cain dominated.

The Bucks took the lead through a well taken set piece, which Trainer headed in. His confidence in the second half was much more reassuring and he is starting to show some good form. Jackson however, stole the show. He has great technique, and he showed that for the third goal. Kyle Perry held the ball up well and passed to Jackson, who got himself in free space and thundered the ball past the keeper.

This is the kind of football we need to start playing. Once we gelled and worked together, we looked like a dangerous team. If Marlon Jackson can replicate his form as he did in this game, it would be a fantastic signing if Sinton were to keep hold of him for the rest of the season.

On the whole though, it might have just been a victory against a team out of form, but it was a victory that could be a turning point of our season.

See also:

• Loan star Marlon Jackson keen to stay at AFC Telford

• Don’t rest on laurels, manager tells AFC Telford

• AFC Telford 3 Kettering 1 in pictures