AFC Telford United boss Kevin Wilkin hails 'excellent' first half in Hereford win

Kevin Wilkin believes the first half performance was possibly the best AFC Telford United have played this season during their 1-0 win at National League North high-fliers Hereford on Tuesday.

Hereford started the evening at the league summit, but dropped off top spot, after the Bucks mounted a shock victory.

Veteran forward Louis Moult scored the only goal after 32 minutes to seal a second victory in three games for Telford, who climbed to 16th in the table.

‘We played as well as we have all season in the first half’

“I’m absolutely delighted. I thought we were excellent in the first half and played as well as we have all season,” head coach Wilkin said.

“Hereford are top of the league for a reason. They’re a fantastic side with lots of good changes about them and lots of quality players.

“To come here and carry the fight in the way that we did was really pleasing, against a strong crowd and support, and the support that we had come with us tonight was absolutely amazing.”

Telford have collected seven points from a possible nine in the league and responded to the frustration of conceding late in their draw against Harborough Town on the weekend.

Despite inevitable second half pressure from Hereford, Telford had a great chance to double their lead when Remi Walker was unable to keep his finish down from 15 yards out.

Wilkin hopes to build on Bucks resurgence

Hereford continued to fly forward in the latter stages and came agonisingly close to an equaliser when goalkeeper Brandon Hall emerged to foil Harrison Iwunze one-on-one, before Finley Holmes’ effort on the rebound was blocked behind.

But Telford held on to secure maximum points and Wilkin is hopeful that the last three games can provide his team with a platform to build from.

Wilkin added: “We’ve done well over the past two or three games. It’s so competitive at this level. and getting our good players out there and playing to the level that they’re capable of.

“That’s my job to do and we saw plenty of signs of that tonight. It was different in the second half. You expect Hereford to come on to you.

“We’ve got to stay strong, organised and defend restart moments and open play, and we’ve done it brilliantly.

“We probably should’ve scored a second in the second half, but I’m just delighted with everybody at the club.

“It’s a big win for us and hopefully we can build on it.”