Mixed feelings for boss Kevin Wilkin after AFC Telford United's draw at Stourbridge
An agonising late equaliser denied AFC Telford United all three points from their shortest road trip of the season, as they were held 1-1 at Stourbridge, writes Rich Worton.
The Bucks and the Glassboys, third and fifth in the table before kick-off, had to battle the conditions and one another.
It looked as though Jimmy Armson’s 57th-minute header might be enough until substitute Alex Jones forced the ball in following an injury-time corner headed goalwards by Jordaan Brown.
“We’re disappointed because we’ve defended those moments and those situations well all afternoon," said Wilkin. "In the second half, with the wind at their backs, Stourbridge loaded balls on to us, and we dealt with pretty much everything they threw at us.
"Brandon (Hall) hasn’t had to make too many saves, as I can recall, so it’s annoying, but I have to give credit to the lads.
"The conditions were really tough - it wasn’t one for the purists by any stretch, but the way that took the lead, playing on the counter with good build-up, a great moment, and it’s good to get your noses in front, in front of our fans.
"Still, it’s probably a fair result when I look at it, with the amount of balls they’ve put into the box and moments we’ve had to defend, but you can’t help being disappointed.”
Wilkin once again shuffled his side due to injury and suspension.
Kyle Storer’s red card against Banbury United saw him serving a one-match suspension, while Jordan Cranston served the first of a two-match ban for an accumulation of 10 bookings, most of which he registered while with previous club Redditch United.
Jakub Kruszynski, the Bucks’ on-loan attacking midfielder from Mansfield Town, also missed the game. He had a knee problem flare up last weekend and the medical team at his parent club advised rest as the cure.
Those absences meant a return to the side for goalscorer Armson, who looked a calm figure in the midfield maelstrom. Debutant Harry Hawkins aided Armson in the middle of the park, and another player making their first-team bow, Shrewsbury Town’s on-loan defender Joe Morris.
The Bucks will not be together again until their fixture on Boxing Day, a potentially pivotal encounter with Halesowen Town at the SEAH Stadium.
The Yeltz closed on leaders Kettering Town and extended their lead over the third-placed Bucks with a 2-1 home victory over Redditch United, thanks to Conor Tee’s injury-time clincher. Kettering were held 1-1 by improving Spalding United, but remain five points above the Bucks.
Telford can’t take second place from Halesowen on Boxing Day, but a victory could close the gap to one point with a game in hand for Wilkin’s men.
