Analysis: A draw that feels more like a defeat for AFC Telford

Yes, a point is something for the Bucks to build on.

And they were much better than they were when they lost 3-0 to Curzon Ashton on Tuesday.

Having led twice at The Lamb Ground, though, a point just does not cut it.

Telford need wins and they really should have got one against Tamworth, who offered very little going forward.

Rob Edwards, understandably, vented his frustration over the home side’s late leveller. He was almost lost for words.

And while the boss has been the subject of criticism from supporters over the Bucks’ league position – this failure to hold on for the three points rests on the players’ shoulders.

In second half added-on time, they were on the front foot.

Instead of taking the ball into the corner and running down the clock, though, Anthony Dwyer decided to have a shot – which came to nothing.

The Lambs then go up the other end and score a scrappy goal for a share of the spoils.

It was another example of Telford lacking the game management required to be successful.

What is so frustrating for fans is that this group of players are talented.

They played some decent stuff in this game and have done on quite a few occasions throughout the campaign.

When they are on song, they are a joy to watch.

But they are short on players who are well-versed in the rigours of non-league and it is costing them.

They have moved up to 20th in National League North but are now four points from safety.

And you do have to seriously wonder whether the Bucks are capable of getting out of trouble.

They made two changes from the disastrous Curzon defeat as John McAtee and Henry Cowans replaced Dwyer and Jordan Lussey.

Elliot Newby – who had been out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury – was among the substitutes. Lussey was left out of the squad.

On an artificial pitch, Telford made a decent start.

McAtee – making his full debut after arriving on loan from Shrewsbury Town – was particularly sharp, coming up with some fancy flicks and covering a fair bit of ground.

Despite being just 18, he was hungry to get on the ball and his side-footed strike forced Tamworth No.1 Jack Stevens into a fairly comfortable save just after the half-hour mark.

That was the best effort the Bucks managed before the interval, while Akwasi Asante hit the post for the hosts.

Edwards’ side should have taken the lead within a couple of minutes of the restart.

Skipper Shane Sutton rose highest to meet Ellis Deeney’s corner with his head, directing the ball wide from six yards.

John Marsden then went close on two occasions as well.

Telford were piling on the pressure and finally made a breakthrough in the 68th minute as Amari Morgan-Smith’s header squeezed past Lambs man Rhys Sharpe, who was on the line.

Asante soon equalised, only for the Bucks to quickly regain the advantage.

Joel Kettle got his wires crossed, firing past Stevens and into his own net.

If ‘Great Own Goals’ DVDs are still being produced, this one should feature prominently.

Telford did not hold on, though, as Aman Verma bundled the ball in following a melee in the box to rescue a point.

Such a deeply annoying draw for the Bucks.