Stockport 1 AFC Telford 0 - Report and pictures
AFC Telford United remain two points above the National League North drop zone after Darren Stephenson's strike saw them lose 1-0 at Stockport County.
The Bucks' effort could not be faulted and they defended valiantly for the vast majority of the clash, at a 3,546-strong Edgeley Park.
However, Stephenson capitalised on a slight switch-off to give his side a big three points in their quest to reach the play-offs. Four massive games to go for Rob Edwards' 19th-placed charges.
Analysis
Telford made four changes from Thursday's 3-2 win against Leamington. One of those coming back into the fold was John Marsden, who joined the club from Stockport, while top scorer Marcus Dinanga dropped to the bench.
Amari Morgan-Smith also had a spell with the Hatters and led the line instead of 20-goal Dinanga, Marsden in the No.10 role.
That attacking duo did not see a lot of the ball on their old stomping ground in the first half. The hosts dominated possession without causing the Bucks any major problems. It was all a bit subdued.
Telford's plan to frustrate Stockport through organisation and some time-wasting was working a treat, although they would have wanted to do more on their occasional forays forward.
A big feather in the Bucks' cap in the few games before this one was the set piece ability of Wolves loanee Ryan Giles. He was replaced by Elliot Newby shortly after the interval, though.
The Hatters continued plugging away but could not force a way through, due to Telford carrying out their defensive duties with aplomb.
They were doing great but a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Stockport to go in front, substitute Stephenson firing in from close range after taking a few seconds to get the ball from under his feet.
Stephenson almost went from scorer to provider, cutting back to Matthew Warburton who sliced over. Edwards then introduced Dinanga and Henry Cowans in search of an equaliser.
Shane Sutton and Connor Johnson both went agonisingly close.
Things could have gone better, but the Bucks have nothing to be ashamed about. There are positives to take into Tuesday's trip to Blyth Spartans.
Key Moment
75 - Goal! Stockport take the lead through Darren Stephenson. The ball is squared across the face of goal to the substitute and, at the second attempt, he converts from six yards out.
Teams
Stockport (4-4-2): Ormson; Cowan (Stephenson, 68), Smalley, Stott, O'Halloran; Thomas, Turnbull (c), Ball, Warburton; Turner (Clarke, 83), Oswell (Winter, 62)
Subs not used: Hinchliffe, Minihan
Telford (4-4-1-1): Wilson; Johnson, Smith, Sutton (c), White; McAtee (Cowans, 83), Deeney, Royle, Giles (Newby, 52); Marsden (Dinanga, 83); Morgan-Smith
Subs not used: Bignot, Singh (gk)
Attendance: 3,546
Referee: Paul Brown (Northumberland)
Man of the Match
Connor Johnson - The natural centre-back did a fine job at right-back, nullifying the threat of Rhys Turner and almost grabbing a goal at the end. 8/10
