AFC Telford 2 Kidderminster 1 - Match analysis

The good times are back.

Too often a night out at the New Bucks Head had all the appeal of an evening at home with the mother-in-law.

But last night it was like an evening at the theatre. There was passion, joy, fear and real edge of your seat entertainment.

And at the end there was even a standing ovation as the Telford players threatened an encore during a lap of the pitch.

• Returning pair give a boost to AFC Telford

The winning goal may have gone in off Chris Blackburn's knee and the captain for the night may not have known much about it, but the result was crucial.

It was a huge three points for the Bucks over what were promotion-chasing visitors and local rivals.

The win puts six points and five places between Telford and the bottom four.

And the much-needed breathing space was met with a huge sigh of relief at full time as the 2,192 supporters inside the ground finally drew breath at the end of a thoroughly absorbing encounter.

The hosts led after just three minutes. Midfielder Phil Trainer, restored to the starting XI for the first time since his red card at Stockport in January, arrived late to cannon home a Jon Brown corner in front of the visiting support.

It was a goal that settled any nerves that may have been flitting around the ground as Telford began in competitive mood.

They were driven and full of desire with a noticeable difference in their hassling and harrying of their opponents.

Boss Andy Sinton opted for a brave 4-3-3 formation with Chris Sharp and Marlon Jackson, who completed his month-long loan from Bristol City just before kick-off, deployed either side of Kyle Perry up top.

The attacking intent was apparent as the Bucks edged the first 10 minutes and they were rewarded with Trainer's early intervention.

Although the visitors, who included former Buck Lee Vaughan at right-back, were the better side for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes, they rarely troubled Ryan Young in the home goal.

Tom Marshall should have done better with a free header eight yards out and Jack Byrne and Steve Guinan had half-chances midway through the first period.

But Telford carried a threat of their own. Twice Perry miscued when in promising positions while Jackson saw an effort well blocked.

Sean Newton also went close with a 20-yard free-kick as the half drew to a close.

But any notion that this would be an easy three points for the home side were dispelled in a 15-minute period when Kidderminster dominated the contest. They levelled eight minutes after the break with a move instigated by Vaughan.

He seized on a loose pass, raided down the flank and fed Nick Wright who picked out Anthony Malbon with a deep cross that the striker headed powerfully into the corner.

Moments later it was nearly two as Malbon turned provider for strike partner Guinan only for his header to be kept out by a combination of goal post and Young.

The visitors poured forward but, out of nowhere, the Bucks hit back.

Again it came from a Brown corner, this one knocked long towards the back post where Perry nodded it down into the path of Richard Davies. The midfielder's shot was heading well off target until Blackburn diverted it past Tony Breedon.

Harriers sent on former England international Lee Hendrie in response and he almost levelled with a dipping 25-yard volley six minutes from time.

The visitors camped in Telford's half as they pressed for an equaliser but Telford held on for what could turn out to be the most crucial of victories.

Leaders Fleetwood are next in town on Saturday defending a long unbeaten run.

Let the good times roll.

Alex James