AFC Telford 1 Curzon Ashton 1 - Player ratings

Russ Griffiths

Not his busiest afternoon; little he could do to prevent Knowles’ goal, and kept his concentration levels up to ensure he wasn’t beaten by Hobson’s header in the dying moments.

Concentration 7

Ross White

Question marks tend to be around his use of the ball and ability to contribute further forwards than his defending; did his best in that respect and was hugely committed in his defensive efforts.

Committed 7

Eddy Jones

An unfortunate loss of his footing led directly to Curzon’s goal, but didn’t seem to let it bother him. Error was uncharacteristic.

Slip 6

Theo Streete

Tried to put Cowan’s plan into action but lack of movement ahead of him meant he frequently went backwards to keep possession. A set-piece threat; denied a goal by Mason’s agility. Booked.

Difficult day 6

Zak Lilly

Restored to the side after a positive Covid test and self-isolation; probably slept very soundly after playing a full 90 minutes where he coped fairly well defensively.

Worked hard 7

Jack Byrne

His afternoon was curtailed by a hamstring injury; plays a more defensive role in midfield but as a senior player might have been expected to ‘set the tone’ more than he did in his brief outing.

Curtailed 6

Adam Walker

Another who seemed subdued in the first half, impacting on Cowan’s wish to play ‘through the thirds’. Responded with a much better second half; more industry, drive and threat.

Improved 7

James Hardy

Alas Hardy’s early season promise has been visible only fleetingly since. Possesses huge talent but can easily drift out of games. Substituted.

Drifted 6

Andy Bond

At 34 is less mobile than the Bucks might need but has experience and composure. Not hugely influential, had a better second half than first, but that was true of those in white.

Nous 6

Dom McHale

Looked as though he’d tweaked a groin muscle at one point but played a full 90 minutes; a little subdued but still looked one of the Bucks likelier options to break the lines and create.

Subdued 7

Kole Hall

Evident that the loanee still trying to find his feet, both at the level and how he fits into the Bucks gameplan. Substituted.

Finding a role 6

Substitutes

Jordan Davies 7; Replaced Byrne; lots to learn, holds much promise but will need to add other facets to his game to really establish himself. A bright second half, lots of crosses and tested Mason in goal.

Jason Oswell 8; The game-changer. Has been missing for much of the Bucks poor run with a hamstring issue but his impact demands his inclusion from the start. Equalised; lots of bustle and controlled aggression.

Aaron Williams 7; Had been in great scoring form, making Hall’s inclusion in his absence something of a puzzle. Helped create a lot more threat in the final third, linking well.