Analysis: AFC Telford finish season with little fizz
The curtain has come down on another season for AFC Telford United – and, for many fans, it will not live long in the memory.
There have been some highlights, of course, and the most notable of those is the remarkable run the Bucks have gone on in April, winning five of their eight games.
Those were vital victories as Rob Edwards’ side secured survival in National League North and, although the players deserve credit for getting them there in the end, finishing 14th is not something to really brag about.
And this game at Boston United certainly will not be remembered fondly. It was classic end-of-season fare.
Edwards alluded to it afterwards, Telford looked to be running on empty.
They did not create anything going forward, Pilgrims goalkeeper George Willis was not tested. All rather flat at York Street. Wolves loanees Ryan Giles and Connor Johnson did not make the trip to Lincolnshire.
Henry Cowans did, but sat out because of injury. With Giles and Johnson missing, Bob Harris and Jordan Lussey were in from the off.
Giles was Telford’s biggest threat in the few games prior to this one, the 18-year-old being blessed with frightening pace and a superb left foot – a real handful.
The Bucks sorely missed his presence in a low-quality first half.
Pilgrims forward Kabongo Tshimanga was the only player to have any meaningful efforts – curling one just wide, and the other being straight at Ben Wilson.
Telford failed to find any rhythm. The front two of Marcus Dinanga and Amari Morgan-Smith were completely isolated. Boston should have gone in front shortly after resumption. Somehow, Reece Thompson could only head the ball onto the post from close range.
The Pilgrims, though, made no mistake with a penalty – given after a scramble in the area – not long later as Ashley Hemmings coolly found the bottom corner.
That goal prompted a Bucks substitution, John Marsden replacing Elliot Newby.
John McAtee and Jordan Murphy were also introduced, but to no avail.
Reflecting, again, on this term, the efforts of Dinanga have been a big positive.
Brought in on loan from Burton Albion, his 25-goal tally – making him Telford’s top scorer, by a massive margin – is impressive.
Whether he earns a new contract with the Brewers or not, you would expect the Bucks to explore the possibility of bringing him back to the club.
Newby is another who has endeared himself to supporters with his willingness to run at the opposing full-back, and undoubted commitment to the cause.
Skipper Shane Sutton has improved significantly and the capture of Ellis Deeney from Tamworth has proved to be an astute piece of business, while the club’s relationship with Wolves has brought mixed results.
For the flair of Giles and the dependability of Johnson, there was the ineffective Aaron Simpson, the unpredictable Aaron Hayden and the unconvincing Ryan Leak.
It is very difficult, at this stage, to look at how Telford may do next campaign.
As Edwards put it, this is a crucial time for the club – determining whether or not they have the necessary finances for the squad to become full-time moving forward.
Either way, it needs to be sorted quickly to give the Bucks chief the best chance of success in what will be his second season in senior management.
