AFC Telford 3 North Ferriby 0 - Report and pictures
John Marsden, debutant Amari Morgan-Smith and Marcus Dinanga struck as AFC Telford United secured a much-needed 3-0 victory against rock-bottom North Ferriby United.
This was the first win in National League North since November 21 for the Bucks, who remain second from bottom.
Marsden put Rob Edwards' side ahead with a brilliant strike, Morgan-Smith doubled the advantage from the penalty spot and Dinanga put the icing on the cake with a fine left-footed effort in second half stoppage time.
North Ferriby had Paul Robson sent off late on and offered nothing going forward.
A timely boost for Telford, with another big clash coming up at the New Bucks Head on Tuesday night - against fellow strugglers Curzon Ashton (kick-off 7.45pm).
Analysis
This was Telford's first Saturday league game at home since losing 2-1 to Alfreton Town on November 18, due to a spate of postponements.
Two players were making their Bucks debuts. Cardiff City loanee Ben Wilson was between the sticks while Morgan-Smith, signed from York City, started up front.
The first 15 minutes were played at a pre-season pace, with both sides - unsurprisingly, given their league positions - visibly low on confidence. It was flat.
Thankfully, Marsden soon came up with a piece of brilliance to put Telford ahead.
Picking up the ball on the left-hand corner of the 18-yard box, he cut inside onto his right foot and beat North Ferriby goalie Ross Durrant with a sublime strike. It was just what the doctor ordered, lifting the spirits of the Bucks players, coaches and fans.
The hosts failed to extend their lead before half-time, but did so in the second half. A penalty was awarded in the 76th minute after Jack Walters blocked Morgan-Smith's shot with his hand in the box.
The striker then coolly converted from the spot, sending Durrant the wrong way.
Dinanga got back among the goals inside stoppage time too, with a fine effort from the edge of the area.
This was not a great performance from Telford, but they got the three points they so desperately needed. For the first time in a long while, the Bucks faithful have something to smile about.
Key Moments
19 - GOAL! John Marsden puts Telford in front with a stunning effort, cutting inside onto his right foot and curling the ball into the top corner. That is the attacking midfielder's fifth goal of the season.
22 - Bucks striker Amari Morgan-Smith has a crack, pretty much from the same spot as Marsden, and North Ferriby goalkeeper Ross Durrant pulls off a fine save.
76 - Penalty to Telford! Morgan-Smith's shot is blocked by the hand of Jack Walters.
77 - GOAL! Morgan-Smith, on debut, doubles the Bucks' lead from the spot, finding the bottom corner.
88 - North Ferriby right-back Paul Robson, who was already on a booking, is shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Ryan Wilson.
90 - GOAL! Telford top scorer Marcus Dinanga gets on the scoresheet with a sweet left-footed strike. He had gone five games without a goal. That is his 14th of the season.
Teams
Telford (4-3-3): B Wilson; White, Sutton (c), Johnson, R Wilson; Lussey (Cowans, 80), Deeney, Marsden (Leonard, 80); Dinanga, Morgan-Smith, Dwyer (Murphy, 71)
Subs not used: Leak, Singh (gk)
North Ferriby (4-4-2): Durrant; Robson, Cooke, Mail, Walters; Harrison, Forrester (Clappison, 34), Lofts, Slew (Piercy, 61); Agnew, Deacey (Dunkerley, 72)
Subs not used: Kyei, Exall (gk)
Man of the Match
John Marsden - His moment of class put Telford in front and his all-round play was sharp. 8/10
