Analysis: Battling AFC Telford bounce back to take victory
Last season, AFC Telford United would have lost a game like this.
Whenever they used to concede first, heads dropped. They would beat themselves up about letting one in and the opposition would capitalise.
It was a state they found themselves in on several occasions and, no doubt, the youthfulness of the side under Rob Edwards was a big factor.
Now, though, with Gavin Cowan having brought in several experienced heads over the summer, the Bucks have proved they can respond to adversity.
Last Monday, they were not at their best at Leamington but, after conceding first, managed to pick up a draw – and probably should have won.
And here against Ashton, they fell behind in the first half but stuck to their principles to grind out a victory. Telford were undeterred and Cowan recognised that afterwards, hailing the ‘unbelievable character and togetherness’ of his players.
There is belief coursing through the veins of this unbeaten Bucks side. They are second in the table and completely deserve to be.
Winning games is always that bit easier when you have a natural finisher in your ranks and Daniel Udoh certainly is one.
He has already scored seven times this term – he is simply too hot to handle.
But it’s not only him who deserves credit. Everyone is pulling their weight at the moment.
There are no egos – everything is done for the benefit of the group. Defender Dom Smith was taken off on the hour mark for tricky winger Adam Dawson and that switch sparked Telford into life.
Smith, while naturally disappointed to be substituted, won’t be throwing his arms around complaining, though. He’ll realise it was the best move for the team.
Cowan has got all his charges singing from the same hymn sheet and, if they carry on in this manner, why put a ceiling on what they can achieve?
Theo Streete, James McQuilkin and Darryl Knights came into the Bucks starting line-up for this one. Midfielder Dan McKenna, signed on loan from Wolves on Friday, was not in the squad while Ashton had former Bucks duo Mark Lees and John McAtee in from the off.
Telford strikers Andre Brown and Udoh were being watched very closely. The Bucks tried to release the pair with long balls but, because of the Robins backline sitting on the edge of the 18-yard box, that approach wasn’t working. It was a bit predictable and slow.
Ashton’s defensive efforts were commendable and they went into the break in great spirits, thanks to McAtee.
He lifted the ball over Max Bramley, who probably should have been quicker off his line. It was a classic away performance from Ashton in the first half – boss Jody Banim had clearly done his homework on Telford.
Cowan stuck to his guns for the start of the second period but, having watched things carry on in the same vein, Dawson came on for Smith and the Bucks soon got an equaliser – in rather fortunate circumstances.
Udoh didn’t really know anything about it, but it was his goal – showing why you should always close down.
You sensed luck really was on Telford’s side as, with 20 minutes plus stoppage time left, the Robins went down to 10 men. Aaron Chalmers limped off after they had made their permitted changes.
The Bucks smelt blood and Udoh came up with the goods once again. He slotted home, after exquisite work from Henry Cowans, to extend their perfect record at the New Bucks Head to four games.
