Kevin Wilkin hits out at AFC Telford United's concentration in disappointing defeat
AFC Telford gave themselves ‘a mountain to climb’ as concentration levels dipped according to manager Kevin Wilkin after the Bucks lost 3-1 at Alvechurch.
Wilkin praised Ellis Brown for his performance after he stepped into the starting XI to replace Ricardo Dinanga after his high-profile departure in midweek.
Telford are now fourth and a point behind their next opponents Bedford Town, who currently top the table. The loss to Alvechurch saw the Shropshire side miss out on another chance to go first.
Wilkin said: “For 40 minutes. I don't think we really had a problem with what the home team were offering.
“We were composed and made good decisions, won the battles, put the ball in good areas, passed the ball when we were able to, and looked the far more likely side.
“And then to come in at half time, at 2-1, it's not baffling because you've got to stay focused and concentrated. You've got to understand an opposition will have their period against you, however long you allow that to be.
“When they've had their period, we've allowed that to crystallise, in them scoring two goals and that isn't good enough.
“And again, you know, league position wise, that’s a great opportunity for us that we've missed to really close the lead down and that's disappointing.
“But, like I say, I know we need to get players more focused and concentrated in games, and it's not that they can't do it, and obviously I have to carry the can because they didn't do it.”
Wilkin made two changes after Brown and Jakub Kruszynski stepped in for Dinanga and Byron Moore after his injury against Stamford.
He added: “I think Ellis Brown was arguably the best player on the field in the first half. You know, he worked hard, won his battles and really carried the fight to them and credit to him.
“It’s not easy to go and fill in for somebody that's been so effective. He’s unlucky to work the target with a shot off his weaker foot in the second period.
“But he's won us the penalty, he’s won us corner after corner, and he’s a reason for our dominance, I think, in the first half.
“After, where they’re being organised and tight and close to people and managing moments and situations, yeah, we've got to do a whole lot better and hopefully we can.”
