AFC Telford sign midfielder Charlie Barnett

A near-to-full strength Telford team beat a London Elite side, comprised of players let go by club academies, 1-0 through Mike Phenix's 35th minute goal.

And Bucks manager Liam Watson sealed the deal to bring Barnett into non-league football for the first time.

The 24-year-old former England under-16 international started out as a youngster at Liverpool and twice won the FA Youth Cup with the Reds in 2006 and 2007.

He played 36 first-team games for Tranmere and featured 94 times for last club Accrington Stanley, turning down a full-time deal at Macclesfield to join, with Morecambe also interested.

Telford's chase when Watson learned Barnett had watched the Bucks play in a friendly against Chester last week, along with long-term target Godfrey Poku.

His one-year contract was on the table when he played as a second-half substitute against West Brom last weekend and has now been sealed by managing director Lee Carter.

Watson said: "I think he's a big signing, I always leave scope for such a player in my budget because there's always someone special who comes along every year.

"Lo and behold, Charlie has come along and he's a big bonus – he's someone I never thought I would be able to attract to the club."

Barnett didn't feature against the Elite last night but fellow midfielder Nathan Rooney played the full 90 minutes, although his wait to discover if he will be offered terms continues.

Rooney will be told of his fate at training tomorrow ahead of Saturday's final pre-season friendly at home to Bangor, with the Conference North opener against Workington 10 days away.

The club's remaining trialist, midfielder Martyn Jackson, didn't feature last night and won't on Saturday but remains in contact with the club.