Smith's harsh words to players

Boss Rob Smith pulled no punches in telling his under-performing AFC Telford United players: "Shape up or ship out."

The Bucks chief was hugely disappointed with his team's performance as they suffered their first defeat of the Blue Square North season with a 1-0 reverse at Droylsden on Saturday.

And he has warned that he will not be afraid to make drastic changes if he does not see a rapid improvement.

"There's no cause for panic in terms of the league table, but we've got to be coming away to places like this and coming away with at least a point so I'm not happy," he declared."I believe we have more than enough in that dressing room to get us where we want to be but I'm not going to give them forever.

"We're in it to be up there challenging this season and I'm not going to slip into midtable mediocrity for anyone.

"I know we're good enough, but when we're under the cosh we're not asking enough questions at the moment. If these players cannot ask them, then I will have to look elsewhere."

A well-hit Neil Prince strike in the 48th minute settled the contest in favour of the Bloods, and Telford never looked likely to force their way back into the game.

Smith brought the likes of Jarred Stevens and Lee Moore on to pep up the forward line, but added: "We went with three up front but it might just as well have been one, because we're not looking like getting anything.

"A bit of quality has done us and I'd say they're the best team we've played so far, but if we're serious about challenging then we've got to get on with it and show what we're all about.

"We've got to go to Harrogate tomorrow and that's a tough one so it's not ideal - though in some ways it might be.

"There's no hiding place there and we've got to go out and win."