AFC Telford boss thrilled to see Bucks dig deep as top scorer reaches 21 for the season

A stubborn defensive effort followed two more Matty Stenson goals at the SEAH Stadium as the Bucks retained second place in the Southern Central Premier on a weekend where most of their promotion rivals also won.

And Wilkin was happy his side saw it through, despite losing defensive lynchpin Sam Whittall to injury during the second half.

“I’m really pleased to take the three points, and again, there are parts of it (the performance) where I think we've done really well," he said. "Redditch probably started with a little bit more purpose than we did, and until the goal, they probably had more possession than we did.

"What pleased me is we never allowed that to amount to anything. I think the best moment they had was a shot from probably 25 yards at Brandon (Hall

"We dealt with that comfortably, and then we came up with the best move of the game. A great ball into the box, and a great header to finish it.

"It's probably a little bit against the run of play if I'm being honest, but I'm just really pleased that we've stayed together and strong in certain moments.

"We lose Sam, and then you're looking at whether we've got the character to stand up to them. You have to show a little bit of character to get yourself over the line, which I think we did.”

The goal Wilkin referred to was Stenson’s 20th of the campaign, a header from Ellis Myles’ cross after some good build-up involving Jordan Piggott.

That gave the Bucks a half-time lead, and Stenson headed his 21st league goal eight minutes into the second period, burying a Jordan Cranston corner past Ollie Taylor.

Asked about Stenson’s league-leading contribution, Wilkin was effusive in his praise.

“Yeah, brilliant," he said. "I think that's the thing; trying to find him in areas where we can go and show the best of what he is all about.

"He's a terrific finisher; if you find him and give him the chance and opportunity, he’s pretty clinical with it.

"There were two fantastic headers today and good movement for the second.

"We saw against Bedford the quality of Jordan’s delivery. It was a brilliant moment, and it just gives you that little bit of cushion and that little bit of breathing space that perhaps you need.

"Perhaps we haven't afforded ourselves enough time this season.”

Redditch made life uncomfortable for the Bucks when Jack Kelly’s 70th-minute corner swung directly into the net in a congested six-yard box, but having shed some of his more experienced players for youth in recent weeks, Wilkin was delighted that they didn’t buckle.

“It's 15 minutes to go, and to make sure you get over the line after looking pretty comfortable," he added. "Redditch kept coming at us and asking questions, but it's good to come through moments and games like that, learn from them, and understand what it takes to get through them.

"It’s not always in the fashion you'd like, and I’m really pleased with all those young lads out there who are probably experiencing some of this for the first time in their careers. It's just a nice moment and moves us forward.”