Rob Edwards backs AFC Telford despite heavy loss
AFC Telford United chief Rob Edwards was delighted with the 'outstanding' attitude from his Bucks squad despite a 4-0 reversal at the hands of Aston Villa
New boss Edwards' first game on home soil ended in defeat but the ex-Wolves coach insisted plenty of positives were gained as the National League North side built on their fitness levels.
A deflected first-half strike was followed by two second-half penalties and a Gabriel Agbonlahor header as a strong Villa side won in style.
Edwards, who received a good reception from a crowd of 1,865, was working alongside new No.2 Sean Parrish, his cousin and a former Telford midfield favourite.
"It was tough," admitted Edwards. "I said to the players after that pre-season is about getting fit, staying fit and building a way of doing things with a team spirit.
"We'll have got fitter tonight, we've stayed fit having picked up no injuries and we'll get more messages across to them - we'll have all learned something tonight.
"That ticks all the boxes. These games can be really difficult because the level difference is big but I was delighted with the players, their attitude was spot on.
"Everyone kept switched on, they kept trying, kept focused, kept trying to do what we've been asking of them and in the end a bit of quality shone through.
"There were lots of good things. The work rate and attitude was outstanding and that has to be maintained and improved throughout the season."
Edwards believes that the main difference on the night was decisions made by Villa players in vital moments.
The Bucks again fielded a number of trialists, with Aaron Hayden, Jordan Evans, Anthony Dwyer and Will Marsh in action.
While two new faces were Wolves players Aaron Collins and Cameron John.
"We caused a few problems of our own," Edwards added. "A lot of their goals came from a mistake or a misplaced pass - if we can just tidy up those details then we'll nullify that.
"But we won't be playing against this level throughout the year - thank god!
"It was a real challenge for the players, but the major difference is the decision-making. They made better decisions than us. If we can improve on that going forward that'd be great."
