AFC Telford 3-1 Market Drayton - match report

But it wasn't a sparkling performance from Liam Watson's men. They overcame some uncomfortable moments on their way to a second straight victory in as many pre-season games.

The lower-league visitors were the more effective side in the first half. The Bucks had to show some steel to come from behind after Rob Stevenson put Drayton ahead.

But a goal from Mike Phenix, in his first game for Telford, levelled things up before the break. Second-half strikes from Alan Moogan and Andy Owens secured the triumph, and the silverware, for the Bucks.

Telford had showed flashes of the invention and creativity visible in last week's 3-0 semi-final win over Shawbury United.

But it was a more disjointed display from the hosts, in the first 45 in particular.

Early Telford chances saw Drayton defender Paul McMullen block winger Sean Clancy's goal-bound fizzer inside the first 15 minutes. Tony Gray then struck a curling effort that drifted just wide of the post.

But Drayton fashioned two good chances themselves before Stevenson slotted home after 22 minutes.

A quick free-kick routine between Neville Thomson and Kyle Blake was cut out at the far post by Wes Baynes. Moogan then had to clear from the line before Stevenson pounced on some hesitation in the Telford box to fire the visitors in front.

The Bucks could have few complaints at this point, but they responded to the set-back. Owens almost drew them level within three minutes after some indecision by Lyndon Campbell.

Owens' effort was wide of the target, but he created the equaliser a minute later with a well-aimed long throw that caused havoc in the box.

Simon Grand nodded the ball back at the far post, and Phenix poked home from six yards for his debut goal. It was just reward for an energetic display containing some skilful touches from the former Skelmersdale man.

Thompson should have put Drayton back in front, though, after good work from Stevenson and Chris Peel released him at the far post. But he put the ball wide of the target.

Kyle Blake was guilty of an equally costly miss for the visitors three minutes after the break. Stevenson sent him one-on-one with Bucks' keeper Ryan Young, who did well to force him wide before Sean Clancy's last-ditch challenge helped scramble the ball behind for a corner.

It proved it be a pivotal moment in the game as Telford then took the lead. Moogan slotted home clinically after good work from Clancy and a deft cut back from Owens on 53 minutes.

Grand almost made it 3-1 when his fierce volley creeping just over the bar.

Owens grabbed the goal his creative performance deserved, having made both of the Bucks first two, with 13 minutes left. Damien Stevens spilled an aimless free-kick at the striker's feet and Owens produced a sharp flick to loop the ball into the empty net.

After the ease with which Telford had dispatched Shawbury, Bucks fans were expecting a comfortable evening against a side playing two flights below them, in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier First Division South.

They were tested far more vigorously last night, however, by a skilful and determined Drayton side. The defensive frailties on show will not have pleased fans or the Bucks manager alike.

Telford overcame those problems, though, to earn Watson his first silverware as Bucks boss.

And should the former Southport man get his hands on more in April, the celebrations will be far more raucous.

Telford will have to overcome numerous further examinations before we really know if they are capable of delivering on their Conference North title aspirations – but it is a case of so far, so good.

Teams:

Telford: Young, Baynes, Lever, Byrne (Preston 78), Grand, Moogan, Phenix (Booth 76), Rooney, Owens, Gray, Clancy (Farrell 69). Subs not used: Pryce, Jackson

Market Drayton: Stevens, Jones (Cohen HT), Moyo, McMullen, O'Reilly, Campbell (Fox 68), Stevenson, Blake, Thompson, Proffitt, Peel (Renshaw 79). Subs: Hawcroft, M O'Reilly

Referee: Steve Rushton

Attendance: 606