AFC Telford keep up pressure at top - analysis
It's taken four attempts - but there was probably no better time for AFC Telford United to record a win over Worcester City in the Skrill Conference North.
True, the Bucks remain second in the league today. But they are now truly breathing down the necks of table-toppers North Ferriby.
The pacesetters were not in action last night and have a game in hand, but Telford made the most of their chance to turn up the pressure a notch with a 1-0 win.
There will be twists and turns, for sure, but there's enough nous about Liam Watson's side to be confident they are firmly in with a shout of being crowned champions.
Their first victory over the Dragons was secured through Dan Preston's first goal of the season, on his recall to the starting line-up.
The game took place at the home of Kidderminster Harriers in front of a noisy throng of supporters from both sides.
Again, changes were made by Watson, four this time instead of the five made in the last midweek trip at Altrincham a fortnight ago.
In came Preston, Matthew McGinn, Sean Clancy and Mike Grogan, with the team changing to a 3-5-2 formation with three centre-backs.
The aim was to be solid and outnumber Worcester in the middle of the park and, certainly in the first-half, it worked for Watson's men.
McGinn nearly caught out Jose Veiga on seven minutes, his low free-kick from the left nearly creeping in before the Worcester goalkeeper parried away.
McGinn was denied again by Veiga, who had been grounded during a melee in his box, in the 12th minute as Telford turned the screw.
Preston broke the deadlock in just the 12th minute, after heading the ball home though a host of players after an almighty scramble.
A powerful half-volley from McGinn skimmed the top of the Worcester crossbar two minutes later, a first-time effort from right-back Wes Baynes' cross.
In the 25th minute, Veiga scrambled off his own line from Neill Byrne's header from Shaun Whalley's inviting corner.
Telford went in at half-time in the ascendancy but it had been a scrappy opening period, as was the FA Trophy meeting between the two on the same ground back in November.
Four minutes after the break, Baynes tried his luck with a burst down the right and he managed to get a shot on goal, but the ball was deflected through to Veiga.
Former Telford winger Steve Leslie nearly came back to haunt his old club in the 53rd minute, his cross begging to be finished by Anton Brown but the home midfielder could only head wide.
Touch and acceleration from Whalley saw him break and take on the City back four but he went for goal, his daisy-cutter going straight at Veiga when squaring to Sean Clancy looked the better option.
Bucks goalkeeper Ryan Young was tested by the hosts' first shot on target from Ebby Nelson-Addy on 64 minutes, saving well and claiming at the second attempt with Brown looking to pounce.
Worcester's George Williams nearly caught everyone out with a shot from the right in the 71st minute, his low drive fizzing past the far post to safety.
Brown missed another golden chance with his head when he was again found unmarked by Daniel Nti's cross with 12 minutes to go, but he could only nod the ball over.
Young preserved the points for Telford in stoppage time from what would have been a stunner from Brown, his 35-yard effort parried away by the goalkeeper.
There would have been little he could do if late substitute Aaron Farrell had his scoring boots on, but he could only blaze over the rebound.
Telford lived dangerously but made it to the finish to go home with all three points. They are a tough side to beat – North Ferriby had better take note.
By Craig Birch
