AFC Telford 1 Alfreton 2 - Report and pictures
AFC Telford United's barren run continues following a 2-1 loss against Alfreton Town at the New Bucks Head.
A very poor five-minute spell proved costly for the Bucks as the Reds went two in front either side of the half-hour mark, Craig Westcarr and Tom Allan getting the goals.
Elliot Newby replied before half-time for the hosts, but they could not draw level in the second period even though they enjoyed the lion's share of possession.
It is now back-to-back losses and four National League North games without a win.
Analysis
Telford remembered former vice-chairman Win Pryce – who passed away just over a fortnight ago – with a touching minute's applause before kick-off.
The Bucks made a surprise inclusion for the clash, bringing in striker Matthew Barnes-Homer in place of Jordan Murphy.
He was one of their standout performers in the first half, which provided all three goals.
Alfreton opened the scoring 27 minutes in – and doubled their advantage shortly after.
Westcarr made the most of some lacklustre Telford defending, lifting the ball over Jas Singh to take the lead.
The Bucks did not cover themselves in glory for the second either, allowing Allan the space to head home from close range after a free-kick.
It looked like the Reds would pull clear but Newby – who did not stop running all afternoon – pulled one back just prior to the interval, driving in with his favoured left foot from the edge of the box after Barnes-Homer's lay-off.
Telford changed their formation for the second period, with top scorer Marcus Dinanga shifted up front alongside Barnes-Homer.
They also made an attacking double substitution in search of an equaliser as Anthony Dwyer and Murphy came on.
A leveller eluded them though, despite having seven minutes of added-on time.
The Bucks have a chance to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night, hosting Tamworth (kick-off 7.45pm).
Key Moments
27 - Goal! Telford 0-1 Alfreton. Craig Westcarr puts the visitors ahead - and that has been coming. Bucks right-back Simpson is caught cold as Westcarr is found with an over-the-top pass and he lifts the ball over the advancing Jas Singh.
32 - Goal! Telford 0-2 Alfreton. Tom Allan heads home. Cieron Keane's free-kick to the far post is met by Allan, whose header from an acute angle gets a touch off Singh on its way in.
44 - GOAL! Telford 1-2 Alfreton. A great strike from Elliot Newby changes the mood of supporters going into the interval. The lively winger smashes in after some find hold-up play from Matthew Barnes-Homer.
Teams
Telford (4-2-3-1): Singh; Simpson (Dwyer, 71), Johnson, Sutton, Wilson; Cowans, Lussey; Dinanga, Leonard, Newby; Barnes-Homer (Murphy, 71)
Subs not used: Hayden, McGrory, Martinez (gk)
Alfreton (5-3-2): Elliott; Topliss (Marshall, 46), Allan, Shiels, Priestley (Everington, 83), Keane; Wood, Disley, Daniels; Westcarr, Shariff (Robertson, 63)
Subs not used: Johnson, Weatherer
Man of the Match
Elliot Newby – Gave his all and got on the scoresheet with a ferocious left-footed strike. 7/10
