Gavin Cowan upbeat as Telford denied win

The Bucks had been given a 76th-minute lead by substitute Andre Brown, scoring from the penalty spot after winning the opportunity when fouled by home goalkeeper Jon Worsnop, writes Richard Worton.

However, an 89th-minute goal from home substitute Curtis Morrison restored parity, and left Cowan rueful, but keen to accentuate the positives of a third game without defeat in three National North games played.

“I think we deserved to win the game, and when that’s the case it’s always disappointing when the opposition nick one at the other end,” he said.

The Bucks boss initially lamented his side’s late lapse, but felt there was much his team could take from the 1-1 draw at Nethermoor.

“I said to the players ‘what would the feeling have been if they’d gone in front and we’d nicked one at the end?’

“It would have been elation, so we have to psychologically spin that one around for the lads, make them realise that it’s a really good point away from home and that we should go into Tuesday (against Brackley) really positive after a brilliant performance.”

Cowan was at pains to explain that he wasn’t the only one holding the players to account.

“The players have got a lot of expectation of each other,” added the Bucks boss.

“The lads are disappointed with those final few bits.

“But what I will say was that 99.9 per cent of it was right, and that’s the standard we’ve set, what we expect of one another.”

The Bucks were forced into a change with goalkeeper Max Bramley, who is on loan from Premier League side Leicester City, sitting the game out after being injured in a late collision with former Buck Kane Richards in last Tuesday’s goalless draw against Kidderminster Harriers.

Cowan explained: “He’s had 17 stitches to the head, so they need to take care of that.

“He’s not got any concussion but they do need to take precautions.

“Sheridan Martinez came in and I thought he was superb.”