Analysis: A vital win for AFC Telford

This was not one of the best performances the Bucks have put in this season – Rob Edwards admitted that afterwards.

He said: “We’ve definitely played better this year and lost.”

And that makes this victory at the New Bucks Head all the more sweeter.

Telford could have scored a couple more goals on the day.

A win by two or three would have been great, but the fact the Bucks did not make any silly mistakes – like they have done on a fair few occasions this term – was most pleasing.

Following a 2-2 draw with Tamworth – in which they conceded a last-gasp equaliser – the weekend prior, Edwards’ charges held their nerve.

FC United, like Tamworth, did little going forward but this time Telford were assured at the back, thanks in no small part to two debutants.

Paul Bignot, who is the younger brother of former Bucks man Marcus, started at right-back.

The 32-year-old was signed last week following his departure from Barrow and has also played for Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle and Newport County.

Playing alongside skipper Shane Sutton in the centre of defence was Niall Maher, snapped up from Irish side Galway United and formerly of Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Bury.

Both have experienced being at the wrong end of the table before and their no-frills approach was much-welcome.

Bignot could frequently be seen telling his team-mates where they needed to be while Maher simply cleared his lines whenever required to do so.

His display was particularly impressive given his last competitive game before this one was in October for Galway.

No signs of rust or a lack of fitness from the 22-year-old.

Elliot Newby returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury and had a lively showing.

Always willing to take on his marker and get crosses into the box, he got the home supporters excited several times.

Bignot, Maher and Newby were very impressive, as was match-winner John McAtee.

He converted the only major chance of a quiet first period, stroking the ball home – on the turn – just after the half-hour mark.

McAtee is just 18 and again was calm whenever in possession – always a threat.

He has a bright future ahead of him.

Telford emerged for the second half keen to grab a second goal, to put the game to bed.

Amari Morgan-Smith had a glorious opportunity to double their advantage but his header sailed over the bar.

The Bucks, thankfully, were not left to rue that miss.

FC United grew in confidence towards the end but were unable to break the hosts down.

Everyone for Telford pulled their weight and played their part in getting the three points.

As mentioned, Bignot, Maher, Newby and McAtee were the standout performers but everyone was solid.

Ben Wilson kept a second clean sheet for the club, Ellis Deeney covered a lot of ground in the middle of the park and Morgan-Smith led the line well. They were all committed to the cause.

Now the aim is to build momentum to pull away from danger. The Bucks are currently three points adrift and take on Nuneaton Town at home tomorrow night.

It is not quite must-win, but back-to-back home successes would go down a treat.