AFC Telford's winning streak blown off course - match analysis and pictures

The plucky Brakes flew high on their home ground as the Bucks huffed and puffed, but there was no separating the teams as both had to settle for a point.

It proved costly for Liam Watson's visitors, who were knocked off the top of the Skrill Conference North with only themselves to blame,after letting a lead slip twice.

Second-placed North Ferriby United capitalised by winning 2-0 at home to Stalybridge Celtic, although Telford have a game in hand – at Guiseley tomorrow night.

The Bucks failed to win for the first time in eight games, but kept up their record of scoring in every away fixture this season.

Tomorrow's hosts Guiseley were busy shooting themselves in the foot at Oxford City, surrendering a 3-1 lead by conceding two goals in four second-half minutes late on.

The Lions score and give away goals in equal measure, as Telford found out for themselves at the New Bucks Head last month when they won 4-2.

Guiseley did Telford a favour by beating North Ferriby last weekend, allowing Watson's men to return to top spot with a 4-0 victory at home to Oxford City.

The once-again league leaders' Twitter account read 'thanks Leamington' by the end of Saturday, as the Villagers again moved into pole position for a remarkable second successive promotion.

Should we see the bad side of Mark Bower's players at Nethermoor Park, those with Telford's best interests at heart might well be saying 'cheers Guiseley' for a second time by Wednesday.

The bottom line is there are clearly a few more twists and turns to come in this tussle for the title, which would be Watson's third in the division. No-one will know better than him how this pans out.

The Bucks boss had no complaints at Leamington, agreeing a draw was fair on the balance of play. While his side weren't 'at it,' they had to concede that the hosts gave them a run for their money.

The game petered out in the second-half with the score-sheet complete by the break, Telford first looking like they were going to run away with it before the plucky home side battled back.

Adam Farrell's penalty and a close-range finish from Andy Owens cancelled out Danny Newton's equaliser, before Nathan Hicks levelled with another from the spot.

Leamington just couldn't handle Luton Town loan winger Shaun Whalley early on and the wide-man nearly scored one of the solo goals of the season with just three minutes gone.

A killer first touch took him away from a good half-a-dozen players, before working himself into a one-on-position with goalkeeper Tony Breeden.

His shot lacked power, but still had enough to bypass Breeden before captain Stephan Morley moved in to clear the danger.

Telford found themselves ahead with 15 minutes gone, when a long goal-kick from Telford custodian Ryan Young caused havoc in the box.

Leamington defender Liam Daly inexplicably handled under pressure from Owens, with referee Michael D'Aguilar pointing the spot and handing the Bucks a goal-den opportunity to take the lead.

Up stepped Farrell to convert his second goal in two games and net his 14th of the season, steering the ball away from goalkeeper Breeden, who had guessed right by going left.

A big block from Telford captain Simon Grand in the 17th minute kept the lead intact, his timing just right to dive in and deflect away Aron Wint's shot as he pulled the trigger on the edge of the box.

But the visitors failed to clear their lines in the 27th minute and paid the price, Newton capitalising while defenders dithered to measure a half-volley that flashed under Young and into the net.

Parity lasted just seven minutes as Telford ploughed forward, the sequence of events beginning with Grogan drifting over to the right wing to pick up the ball in space.

His cross into the box was only half-cleared by a back-pedalling Joe Magunda, whose header dropped straight onto the feet of Matthew McGinn.

McGinn slammed the ball into the turf for the ball to sit up for Owens, who drilled home from close range for his seventh goal of the campaign.

But the Bucks would head in at half-time level after a long throw from ex-Telford winger Lee Chilton struck Owens in the arm, sending him from hero to villain, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Hicks took the penalty and sent Young the wrong way, slamming the ball into the left top corner for what proved to be the last goal of the game.

Telford tried to find a winner after the break but Farrell could only lash the ball wide in the 59th minute, after being found at the far post by Grogan's flick from McGinn's long throw.

Leamington came close to a goal after the hour when Daly's header bounced off the turf and creeped towards the net, but Young acted to punch the ball clear.

Telford were denied a winner with four minutes to go when Grogan's scissor kick beat Breeden but was cleared off the line by Ryan Higgins.

It was one of those days where Telford didn't look they were going to win or lose. You will do well to go through the season without having one or two of those along the way.

By Craig Birch