AFC Telford United fall to bottom of National League North after Morecambe defeat

AFC Telford United were rocked by an early sucker-punch as their winless start to the National League North season continued with defeat at Morecambe.

The Bucks threatened a late fightback in Lancashire when Louis Moult pulled one back in the 88th minute, but Kevin Wilkin’s side could not recover from two first-half strikes and slipped to the foot of the table.

Teddy Collis struck at either end of a dominant opening period for Morecambe, with his double enough to condemn Telford to a third defeat from their first five league games.

The Morecambe forward delivered an early blow inside two minutes, latching on to a through ball before firing beyond Lewys Benjamin.

The hosts continued to dominate and Telford were indebted to Zak Lily, who twice cleared off the line.

But the pressure finally told on the stroke of half-time when Collis rifled his second into the net to leave Telford facing a mountain to climb.

Wilkin’s men responded with urgency after the break as they looked to haul themselves back into the contest.

Jack Lambert’s header was agonisingly cleared off the line, while Sam McLintock flashed an effort narrowly wide.

Experienced striker Moult was introduced from the bench and helped spark late hopes of a comeback. He converted following a scrappy passage of play from a corner to set up a tense finish.

Telford pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Morecambe held firm to leave the visitors empty-handed.

The Bucks welcome Bedford Town on Monday for their second Bank Holiday weekend fixture, still searching for their first league win.