AFC Telford praised after top-drawer display
AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson today hailed his players after producing arguably their best performance of the season to see off high-flying visitors North Ferriby.
Second-half goals from Tony Gray and Mike Phenix fired The Bucks to victory against Ferriby, who had top scorer Nathan Jarman dismissed.
Watson's side also recored a third straight clean sheet and a second win on the bounce, while there were some pleasing individual displays.
Gray's strike was his first competitive goal since the first day of the season, while Phenix has stepped off the bench in successive games to score.
Unsung hero Mike Grogan was also singled out for praise by his manager and, since his arrival from Cammell Laird, the team haven't lost in the five games he has played.
Watson said: "As much as Tony Gray got the man of the match award, it was a collective performance. But I have massive faith in him and I still think he's a 20-goal a season striker.
"All we ask of people is to work hard. When you do that at this level and you have got a bit of quality, you win games.
"But it's been fairly obvious the impact Mike Grogan has had since coming into the team. We signed him to make a difference. I think when you get him and Russell Benjamin in there, it gives us great legs.
"What we do know is we have got players who can come in and take places. When you are winning games it could be a long time before you get your shirt back."
Chris Lever had to be replaced after the challenge from Jarman that resulted in the sending off two minutes before the break, but Watson revealed the left-back is not seriously hurt.
He said: "Chris is alright, he stayed on to watch the rest of the game with a bit of an ice pack on and he should be fine by the time we play again."
For the second time in succession, Watson's side go into a two-week enforced break from action, due to their scheduled opponents still being in the FA Cup.
But the team looked refreshed on Saturday after signing off from league matches with a win at Histon and Watson believes it showed on the pitch.
He said: "It might have been a blessing in disguise. We had a little break and came back looking really fresh, we have got another one now and November has become a big month for us."
