AFC Telford United 'unconvincing' despite last-gasp win

There was relief around SEAH Stadium as Solihull Moors loan youngster Kian Ryley was the late hero with a winner deep into stoppage time.

Boss Kevin Wilkin believes the desire of his AFC Telford United troops is “never in question” but felt the performance in the dramatic late win over Darlington was unconvincing.

AFC Telford United's Charlie Williams fires the equaliser at home to Darlington. | Kieren Griffin

placeholder image — AFC Telford United's Charlie Williams fires the equaliser at home to Darlington. | Kieren Griffin

Solihull Moors loanee Kian Ryley played the role of super-sub as he emerged from the bench to convert a 95th-minute winner, moments after missing a gilt-edged chance.

Charlie Williams had restored parity in the first half after Jacob Hazel opened the scoring for fellow National League North drop zone occupants Darlington.

Boss Wilkin knows much more is needed if his Bucks are able to put together consistent results to pull clear of danger.

“I don't think it's a convincing performance, if I'm being honest,” Wilkin said in the aftermath of a wave of relief around SEAH Stadium.

“We've got to manage the ball better, we've got to be more physical.

“I said at half-time, we were losing physical duels. We've done better on that front, I think, in the second half, but there’s still lots to work on, lots of improvement needs to come if we're to win games back-to-back and continue to stack points up.”

Kevin Wilkin celebrated the Darlington win in style at the SEAH Stadium | Kieren Griffin

Wilkin added: “We've got to do a whole lot better. But look, never in question was the lads' desire to want to go out there and work hard for one another.

“We had one or two with a little bit of illness that have gone out there and worked really hard and apply themselves in a good way, and from that perspective, the heart in the changing room has been fantastic, pretty much throughout the season.

“Has the quality been there? Probably not quite at times. Have we made mistakes? Absolutely we have. But you need to get through those moments.”

The last-gasp victory in front of 1,159 fans snapped a run of back-to-back defeats either side of the enforced recent break. The Bucks had resumed with the 2-1 defeat at Chorley, having had to stew on the 5-0 home humbling from King’s Lynn for a fortnight.

Wilkin said: “They keep going, they keep trying, keep working hard for one another.

“There’s been lots of games this season, we’ve played a whole lot better than that haven’t got anything. I’m delighted we showed that resolve at a crucial time.”

Bucks loan winger Ryley, who came through the youth ranks at Solihull, marked the extension of his loan for a further month on Friday with the decisive intervention.

More north east visitors visit SEAH Stadium next weekend, with play-off chasing Hebburn Town - high-flying after promotion from step three last term - to visit Shropshire.