Rob Smith: AFC Telford were 'exhilarating'
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has hailed his side's 'exhilarating' win against Tamworth as they took another huge step to safety in the National League North.
A bumper crowd of 1,583 - the highest for the New Bucks Head this season - saw Connor McCarthy's second-half goal earn the Bucks three points in atrocious weather conditions.
The win takes Smith's men up to 15th, six points clear of Lowestoft Town in the final relegation spot.
The Bucks head to Brackley Town on Monday, who are themselves hovering just two points clear of the drop zone.
But Smith was delighted with the passionate support for his side that had to play without the influential duo of John Cofie and Josh Wilson, who were both injured.
A jubilant Smith said: "It was another form team in Tamworth that came here and we said 'let's keep defying the odds' - that was the challenge.
"We had John Cofie and Josh Wilson missing today, Cofie couldn't have come on and we had more bad news with Josh this morning.
"To take two goalscorers out of the team was a bit of a concern but what a performance from the players coming in.
"The spirit of the whole ground for half an hour there was brilliant. It was exhilarating stuff and I'm really proud of them."
McCarthy's winner came 10 minutes into the second period just as the heavens opened on the New Bucks Head - making it barely possible to see the action.
The Bucks boss added that the conditions had taken its toll on a number of his troops ahead of Monday's key clash at Brackley.
Smith said: "The wind was horrendous first-half and we just had to get to half-time really.
"I was pleased that we didn't give them any chances and defended well.
"It was then a case of putting pressure on them, we knew we'd get a case and fortunately it was while there was a massive storm going so no-one could see!
"I thought it was deserved. There are some tired bodies in there, they have gone over and above during the past few weeks,"
The Bucks chief revealed that his side fear no-one, with the Bucks picking up some impressive wins against in-form National League North sides.
Visitors Tamworth were seven league games unbeaten before McCarthy's goal put paid to the run.
Smith said: "We've got nobody to fear in the league - just ourselves. It'll be ourselves that mess up now.
"We're making a rod for our own back because to get clean sheets like that, there's no reason not to keep doing it."
