Rob Edwards: An FA Cup run would be huge for AFC Telford
Boss Rob Edwards insists a lengthy run in the FA Cup would be 'huge' for AFC Telford United, adding: "We would love that."
The Bucks got past the first hurdle in the competition on Saturday, beating Barwell 2-0 at home in the second qualifying round.
Jordan Murphy and Jordan Gough got the goals and they were set to find out their opponents for the next round today.
Telford got to the first round proper three seasons ago and on potentially repeating that, Edwards said: "We would love that, as every team would.
"You have to try to play it right. The league, of course, is everyone's bread and butter, and everyone wants to challenge and do well in the league.
"To have a cup run, especially teams like us at our level, is huge.
"It helps a lot, financially, but winning football matches becomes a habit – and we have two in a row now."
The clean sheet was the Bucks' first at the New Bucks Head this campaign, following on from their first home victory this term– a 3-2 National League North triumph against Stockport County – last Tuesday.
Edwards took time to praise Jon Royle, who put in a great performance in the middle of the park.
"His positional play was very good and he was there for the second balls, which are important," he said.
"He is strong in the air and can get the ball at his feet and play as well.
"There were some good performances out there."
Edwards was also pleased with Aaron Hayden's showing.
The defender on loan from Wolves had a shaky start, after a few games out of the side, but grew in confidence as the game progressed.
"I think he had a slightly nervy five minutes but he would have been thinking a lot about it, wanting to take his chance when it comes," said Edwards.
"He would have put a lot of pressure on himself but I thought he grew into the game and went on to have a really strong performance."
He added: "He won his headers and his passing was excellent – some diagonal balls we could have made more of on a number of occasions – and helped get a clean sheet.
"I was pleased for him, coming back in, and the rest of the team for keeping a clean sheet and winning the game."
