Gavin Cowan: AFC Telford forward Matty Stenson responded to talks

Bucks boss Cowan felt Stenson’s usually high work rate had waned following an ‘electrifying’ start to his loan spell from Solihull Moors,

Cowan revealed he held talks with the powerful frontman and was rewarded with goals in fine all-round displays against Alfreton and Gloucester.

“He had a bit of a barren spell in terms of his work rate,” Cowan said of Stenson, whose Telford loan is initially until January 11.

“The first two weeks we had him he was electrifying and then we didn’t really see him for a couple of weeks.

“So it was good to sit down with him and have a chat and just recalibrate.

“I thought he was absolutely awesome (on Boxing Day), he led the front line and chased everything down. He gives us a great chance to get on the front foot. I certainly wouldn’t want to play against him.”

Stenson has scored three goals in 10 starts for Telford since joining on loan in October.

He is one of three centre-forwards in the Bucks ranks, alongside Aaron Williams and Marcus Dinanga. Player-coach Matthew Barnes-Homer is also an option for Cowan.

The boss is preparing his side for a third clash in seven days in a busy period totalling four games in 10 days. Telford head to Alfreton tomorrow looking to add to their Boxing Day victory over the Reds.

Cowan added on former Leicester Road, Barwell and Leamington man Stenson: “He’s another brilliant character, someone who wants to talk and do well.

“He’s a big character and wants to have his say but in order to do that you have to earn it.

“I’ll be putting in the shift on my end so I get the opportunity as the boss to have my say and if the players want to have their say they have to do it on the pitch to earn their right and he’s done that in the last couple of games.

“I spoke to him again (just before Gloucester) and he needs to make sure he can do it all over again.”