Rob Smith: This is for the fans

The hugely-spirited 3-1 victory at FC United of Manchester was tempered by a serious-looking knee injury to captain and defensive kingpin Paul McCone, while Darren Campion may need plastic surgery after his teeth went into his lip.

A first away win since a 2-1 success at Altrincham on April 18 ended a run of six straight defeats on their travels and lifted Telford out of the relegation zone for the first time under Smith after first-half goals from Sean Clancy and Robert Paratore, and Dave Hibbert five minutes from time.

And the delighted manager said: "To see the players celebrating at the end with the fans - that's what it's all about and this win was for the fans because they haven't had much to cheer about.

"They come a long way to follow us and they deserve it. But we've had another couple of injuries and the lads coming in have got to be as good as those they replace.

"Paul can't straighten his leg and couldn't kick a ball when he came off, and Darren might have to go to hospital for a spot of plastic surgery as his lip is quite badly gashed."

Striker Callum Hassan came off the bench for Hibbert for the last two minutes following his move from Kidderminster Harriers.

And Smith is tipping the powerful striker to be an important signing: "You could see in the few minutes he got he looks like he could be a quality player and I think he'll be a big player for us."

Smith has hinted winger Johnny Gorman can still have a part in the club's future - courtesy of Sean Clancy's suspension.

Clancy starts a three-match ban with the visit of Nuneaton a week on Saturday and also sits out the trips to Worcester and Curzon Ashton after his early sending off in the 1-1 draw against Alfreton last weekend.

Former Wolves winger and one-time Northern Ireland international Gorman has barely featured under the Bucks boss after signing a one-year deal in the summer.

As a contracted player, Gorman continues to be paid by the club but has become something of a forgotten figure.

But Smith said: "We have got a squad and with Sean Clancy's suspension, there could be an opportunity there for Johnny.

"All the players who haven't been involved know they have to be pushing for a place but because of the heavy numbers we've been carrying, some haven't had a chance.

"But if the opportunity comes, there are chances for them."

Smith said they had no chance of keeping midfielder Josh Ashby, who was recalled by Oxford United before Saturday's game.

"He got recalled and we had no influence - he was on the bench for their game at the weekend," said Smith.