Kevin Wilkin: Consistency of selection key to Telford's improved defensive record

The Bucks have kept two clean sheets and conceded three goals in their five National League North games since the turn of the year, as many shut-outs as they managed in their first 20 games of the season.

And after naming the same back four in every game since the 3-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers on December 30, Wilkin insisted the benefit of that familiarity cannot be underestimated.

"I've said for a long time that it would come once we found a settled and consistent side of players that are able to back good performances up," Wilkin said. "It's what every manager is always searching for and at the moment, with the team we're putting out there every week, there's strong evidence that we can do it.

"The higher up the levels you go the finer the margins become, but the standards that everybody are working to at the moment are strong.

"We've got good players coming off the bench every game and we'll have some more coming back from injury soon as well, and it's important that those players step up to the standards that have been set by the players in the starting 11.

"It's all about confidence, understanding and belief in your ability and your teammate's ability, and when you get enough of that in a group you can achieve great things.

"It's really important for us to keep clean sheets, especially in closely-matched games where chances are few and far between, and cutting out mistakes is huge for us.

"We saw against Bedford and Chorley earlier on in the season that awful lapses of concentration can cost you, and we know that when we keep the back door shut we've got players that can score goals in our team and win us games.

"We'll try to be expansive and I won't set us up to play defensively, but I know you have to be a side that keeps clean sheets if you want to be successful."

A key part of Telford's improved defensive record is the form of Wolves-loanee Josh Gracey, who produced another big save with the score's level on Tuesday night.

"They had maybe one or two shots from range that he had covered, but then Josh has had to pull off a big save in a big moment for us and he's done it brilliantly," Wilkin said. "It's a big test for a goalkeeper when they suddenly have to come up with a moment out of nowhere and he's done exactly that for us.

"He's done it time and time again for us where he's found big moments in big situations, and keeping the game at 0-0 for us there was one of those.

"Josh is learning all the time and that's why Wolves have sent him out to gain that experience, that understanding of what certain situations bring.

"He's a terrific character and he's been a big part of us having a solid season."