Shropshire Star

Rob Edwards: AFC Telford players are down in the dumps

AFC Telford United boss Rob Edwards admits his players are down in the dumps after their 2-1 defeat at Bradford Park Avenue.

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Rob Edwards

The third bottom Bucks took the lead at Horsfall Stadium, but Avenue completed the comeback in the 88th minute.

It means Edwards' side are a point from National League North safety, with only eight games of the campaign left.

When asked if the game will go down as missed opportunity to grab an important three points, Edwards said: "Definitely. We'll be flat. There was deathly silence in the changing room and rightly so.

"We were 1-0 up and a point would have taken us out of the bottom three, we knew that.

"Standing here with a defeat, it's hard to take. It's a missed opportunity, the way the game transpired.

"We knew it would be tough but I felt we were really good value for at least a point.

"Our energy was there for all to see. We're down and frustrated we've lost the game but we've got to keep fighting.

"There was massive parts of the game I was really pleased with, coming to a really good team. It's a tough place to come on a Monday night.

"We've got to continue to show that fight and determination to get over the line.

"We'll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down - puff our chests out and go again."

Marcus Dinanga gave Telford the lead from the penalty spot but Avenue substitute Frank Mulhern scored twice with his head.

Next up for the Bucks is a long trip to Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

"We made two mistakes for two goals," said Edwards.

"The amount of chances we created early on when we were 1-0 up, it was really frustrating we didn't take them and get the second goal when we deserved to.

"Their first goal gave them belief and energy. From two crosses that come into the box, they get the header.

"That's incredibly frustrating, to lose it in the manner we did. It's a sucker-punch, a kick in the teeth. We feel flat, conceding with a couple of minutes to go.

"We showed in the first half we can match it with absolutely anyone. If they keep going like they have done, they'll be absolutely fine."

Telford goalkeeper Ben Wilson seemed to think the ball would fly wide for Mulhern's first goal, only for it to sneak in at the near post.

On whether Wilson was at fault, Edwards added: "I'll have to see it again. Ben's been different class for us so I'll have to look at it again before I comment."