AFC Telford 1 FC United of Manchester 0 - Report and pictures
John McAtee got his first AFC Telford United goal to secure a hugely important 1-0 victory against FC United of Manchester.
The 18-year-old attacker struck in the first half at the New Bucks Head, calmly converting from close range.
Rob Edwards' side remain in National League North's bottom three but have shortened the gap to safety to three points.
The Bucks will hope to carry on building momentum as they host Nuneaton Town on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Analysis
Paul Bignot and Niall Maher made their Telford debuts. It was hoped the duo would add some much-needed composure to the Bucks backline - and they did.
Right-back Bignot could frequently be seen telling his team-mates where they needed to be while centre-half Maher kept things simple, clearing his lines whenever required to do so.
Their presence helped keep FC United's attackers very quiet in the opening 45 minutes, with Telford's McAtee converting the only major chance of the first period.
The Shrewsbury Town loanee cleverly stroked the ball home - on the turn - just after the half-hour mark.
Telford emerged for the second half keen to grab a second goal, to put the game to bed. Amari Morgan-Smith had a glorious opportunity to double their advantage but his header sailed over the bar.
The Bucks, thankfully, were not left to rue that miss. FC United grew in confidence towards the end but were unable to break the hosts down.
A massive three points for hosts. They did not perform amazingly but were solid.
Key Moments
34 - GOAL! Telford take the lead through John McAtee. The 18-year-old is fed the ball by Elliot Newby at the far post and finds the corner, past a static Lloyd Allinson.
48 - Sitter! Newby's cross finds Amari Morgan-Smith, who heads over from around five yards out. It should be 2-0 to the Bucks.
63 - A spell of pressure from the visitors results in a good chance. Jeff King pulls the ball back to FC United player-manager Tom Greaves, who scuffs the shot.
Teams
Telford (4-3-3): B Wilson; Bignot, Sutton (c), Maher, R Wilson; Deeney, Lussey, McAtee (Cowans, 77); Marsden, Morgan-Smith, Newby (Dinanga, 70)
Subs not used: Johnson, Murphy, Singh (gk)
FC United (4-3-3): Allinson; Senior, Baird, Hughes, Higham; Irwin (Crawford, 80), Kay (c), Racchi; Glynn (Lindfield, 74), Greaves (McCarthy, 80), King
Subs not used: Fagbola, Basso (gk)
Man of the Match
John McAtee - Another mature display from the teenager, getting his first goal since arriving on loan from Shrewsbury. He is very talented. 8/10
