AFC Telford 3 Tamworth 3 - match analysis and pictures

The Bucks, who three times battled their way back from a goal down at the New Bucks Head on Saturday, remain in the Blue Square Premier drop zone.

They are now only a point adrift but have fallen a place courtesy of Nuneaton's win at fellow strugglers Barrow, and they have still played at least three games more than any of the rest of the bottom five.

And they probably now need to conjure six wins – one more than they have managed in the league all season – from their remaining 12 games.

It was however, Telford's most prolific attacking display for more than four months and if the Bucks are to pull off the 'Great Escape' they obviously have a better chance of doing so if they are scoring frequently.

But they will have to tighten their defence significantly after mistakes at crucial times again cost them dearly.

As they had against Hyde on Tuesday night, Telford started well enough, retaining possession the better of the two sides and playing some neat passes.

But Tamworth clinically exposed the hosts' defensive frailties when Tommy Wright netted the first of his hat-trick 18 minutes in.

Lambs keeper Tony Breeden's long punt upfield was flicked on by Adam Cunnington and Wright exploited the space left on the right hand side of the box to smash home from the edge of the area.

The finish had to be admired but it was another painfully simple goal to concede.

But the Bucks showed great heart to recover from such a body blow and almost equalised straight away when Bagasan Graham pulled the ball back to Ian Craney in the box, only for Sam Oji to block and clear the danger.

Jay Smith, who has looked very sharp since his return from a long spell on the sidelines, created a great chance for Phil Trainer soon afterwards. But the former Lambs midfielder got his header all wrong and nodded well over the cross bar from inside the box.

Smith though won another free-kick just a few minutes later after Marcus Kelly had bundled him over.

And his precise cross was nodded on by Jake Reid, allowing Ian Craney to pounce for his first Telford goal. It was no more than the hosts had deserved at this point after shading the opening 30 minutes.

But Tamworth retook the lead from a free-kick of their own when Wright superbly headed in Tom Marshall's deep cross from the edge of the box.

Again it was an excellent finish but it left Telford boss Mark Cooper frustrated at his side's inability to deal with long balls into the box – something that would lead to all three of Tamworth's goals.

Cooper introduced last-minute non-contract signing Nialle Rodney, whose capture had been announced just an hour before kick-off, at half-time.

But it was another recent addition who carried the greatest threat for the Bucks. When Craney's low drive fizzed across the box, evading Jordan Rose at the back post, it was a warning shot.

But he continued to pump quality crosses into the danger area and Trainer finally took advantage when he headed home from a 73rd minute Craney corner.

It gave the crowd a huge boost but when Wright completed his hat-trick four minutes later the game seemed to be up.

Another cross caused havoc in the Telford box and Reid appeared to nod the ball over his own keeper allowing Wright to head home at the near post.

But the Bucks again showed great character and Charlie Henry nearly drew them level from a rasping free-kick which Breeden did well to save.

And with five minutes to go Reid grabbed Telford's reward when Breeden could not hold substitute Richard Peniket's header, allowing him to score on the rebound.

There was more late drama as Henry forced a save in stoppage-time and Tamworth substitute Kyle Perry was sent off for two bookable offences.

But it ended honours even, which in the cold light of day is a better result for the visitors than the hosts.

Telford have now picked up just one point from two crucial home games against Hyde and Tamworth and it remains very hard to see where the points needed for survival are going to come from now.

But if the Bucks can consistently reproduce that type of attacking display, they will have a chance.

By Matt Viney