Kelvin Wilkin calls for AFC Telford United to be "cleverer" in the final third

Telford are reeling from the absence of their leading scorer Matty Stenson, but Wilkin has admitted that they need to be smarter at the top end of the pitch.

'Not enough guile or understanding'

"We've got to understand how to work harder and be cleverer in the final third," boss Wilkin said.

"Teams that defend the edge of their box and the really low block there - making it really difficult for us to find a way through. 

"There were loads of passes, not enough guile and understanding and maybe, at certain times, not enough effort there to go and unlock doors and work hard for your space and your moment. 

"There was no space to go behind them so you really need to go through them or around them. 

"We have done that on certain occasions but what we haven't done is crystalise that with a goal. 

"I'm not going to question the effort levels out there. Again, we see a lack of understanding and know-how, but if we take two of those chances, the whole complexion of the game changes, and you find yourself putting Marine on the back foot."

Fin Sinclair-Smith scored both goals for Marine in either half to condemn the Bucks to their second defeat in four league games.

Wilkin 'disappointed' with Telford defeat

After beating play-off rivals Macclesfield FC 3-0 earlier in the week, Wilkin was especially disappointed not to consolidate that result with another victory.

"It's a disappointing result. After the fantastic result against Macclesfield, not to back that up is especially disappointing," he added.

"If you look at the amount of possession we had in the game and the moment that we've got to convert. 

"I think Marine have had one moment and fair play to them because they've stuck that in the back of the net. 

"They play us on the counter there and you have to give them credit for that. They've had a speculative moment in the second half that's gone in and you find yourselves very much chasing the game."