Report and pictures: FC United of Manchester (1) v AFC Telford (2) in the FA Trophy

The Bucks travelled to a cold FC United of Manchester on the back of three straight league defeats but battled from the first whistle to seal a 2-1 win.

Quick reactions from Curtis Tilt inside the box and a moment of magic from Callum Hassan ensured the small band of Telford fans went home happy this evening.

United put up a good fight and despite going down to 10 men late on were able to pull a goal back in injury time, but it was too little, too late.

The first real chance of the game came courtesy of the Telford centre-halves, who were both instructed to go up despite the free-kick being given on halfway line.

The plan nearly worked too as Liam Slade played in Tilt in a good position, but he had strayed just offside inside the box.

United's George Thomson, who was easily the home side's most dangerous player, saw a decent effort pushed over for a corner soon after. The ball was again cleared for another corner, which also came to nothing.

United seemed to feel getting the ball in the box would cause Telford problems, with good reason too, and sent in four deep crosses in a row but the defence stood firm.

And it was Telford who made the visitors pay from a cross soon after when a free-kick was whipped in by Lucas Dawson.

The ball was flicked on and Tilt managed to find enough space at far post to prod it home on 13 minutes.

It was a goal the visiting fans were hoping would change their season, or at least give them a bit more confidence.

Telford were almost two goals ahead a few minutes later too when Hibbert had the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag for offside.

Manager Rob Smith had made three changes for the game and, despite Kyle Brownhill applying himself well at left-back, Hassan and Gregory Wilkinson were struggling to make an impact.

United were next to go close when Thomas Greaves smashed a shot, which was well saved by James Montgomery for a corner that came to nothing.

Sam Austin, just like against Worcester, was again looking dangerous and managed to get a cross in, which rebounded to Dawson, whose shot was straight at the keeper on 20 minutes.

Austin again showed his talent when he weaved his way past two players and then curled a shot just wide of the left-hand post from 18 yards.

Another great cross from Dawson almost found the head of Tilt from a corner, but it just came at him too quick to make contact.

United's best chance of the half fell to Thomson, who again found space, but his powerful shot was parried out for a corner.

United's captain Liam Brownhill was forced to come off following an accidental clash with Hassan on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Craig Lindfield.

Six minutes of added time were played, which meant there was still time for chances at either end.

Confusion in Telford's box saw the ball break to Thomson, but with the keeper stranded he placed his effort over the bar.

Hibbert hits United on the break soon after, took the whole defence with him and unleashed a shot from 15 yards, which was saved for a corner.

Dwayne Samuels made way for Jack Deaman in the second half and Telford had two good chances to double their lead early on.

Hibbert outmuscled his man and rounded the keeper, but his cut-back was too close to the defender.

Hassan should also have done better too when he completely fluffed a cross in a good position inside the box.

United came back when Jack Rea was caught in possession and suddenly Madeley looked through on goal, only for Montgomery and Tilt to cover space and firmly close the door.

Telford continued to hustle and battle from the defence right through to the forwards, sensing a win could really help shape their season.

Goal number two followed when Hassan, using all his pace and strength, shrugged off the defender, cut inside and placed the ball neatly in the bottom left-hand corner on 69 minutes.

United were certainly not out of it and went close on two occasions, but could not find a way through on 73 minutes.

The home side made a double substitution three minutes later, replacing Sam Madeley and Thomas Greaves for Rory Patterson and Greg Daniels.

A corner was whipped in by United and somehow scrabbled cleared, and then Harry Winter followed it up with a wayward shot.

Dave Hibbert, who had worked his socks off, was replaced by Ryan Rowe with 10 minutes remaining, and then Robbie Paratore came on for Greg Wilkinson five minutes later.

A nice move from United found Patterson inside the box to swivel and shoot, but Montgomery managed to get down early to save.

The game was put to bed in the 88th minute when substitute Rory Patterson was given his marching orders a few minutes after coming on for challenge that was high and late.

Thomson managed to pull a goal back for the home side in injury time but Telford were able to hang on for a deserved win.