Telford 0 Chorley 0 - Report and pictures

Analysis

On paper, a point against a side who went into this clash fifth in the National league North table, and unbeaten in seven games, looks a good result for AFC Telford United.

Under the circumstances though - having a one-man advantage for almost the entire second half after Chorley striker Marcus Carver elbowed Dwayne Samuels - they should have won the game.

As has been the story so often this season, Rob Smith's men could not make it click in the final third.

On too many occasions, moves were predictable and when they did managed to create decent chances - they were not taken.

After opting for a 5-3-2 system in the two FA Cup games against Worcester City, the Bucks reverted back to a 4-3-3 formation with Ben Bailey and Josh Wilson coming into the side.

Jonathan Royle picked an injury during the warm-up and Sean Williams took his place in the starting 11.

There were positives for Telford to take out of the game - they were solid at the back and dominated possession and debutant Jordan Sangha showed glimpses of his quality in a lively 15-minute cameo

Ultimately a lack of a cutting edge in attack cost them once again but they now have a chance to recharge their batteries ahead of their next game at Bradford Park Avenue on October 8.

Key moments

5 - First effort from the home side. A nice cross from James Hurst is met by Dave Hibbert and his header goes wide of the far post.

25 - Best opening of the half for Telford. Connor McCarthy, who was recently signed on a permanent deal from Southport after impressing on loan last term, finds a bit of room in the box but his shot is straight at Chorley goalkeeper Sam Ashton.

28 - A lovely attack on the break by Chorley. After some sharp passing, Will Beesley is found in the box but his volley goes high and wide.

41 Great save by Telford's James Montgomery. Jason Walker beats Ben Bailey for pace and tries to chip the ball into the goal from around 10 yards out but Montgomery denies the Chorley striker.

46 RED CARD. Chorley's Marcus Carver, who played well in the first half, is sent for an early bath after a clear elbow to the head of Dwayne Samuels.

54 Some neat play from Telford who are looking to make the numerical advantage count. Josh Wilson lays off Samuels after a short corner and his effort is blocked. The ball drops to McCarthy just a few yards from goal but he is thwarted by Ashton.

68 Samuels, despite being one of the shortest players on the pitch, rises highest after a corner and his header is tipped over the bar by Ashton.

71 McCarthy goes close as Telford look to pile on the pressure. From an acute angle, he shoots low but Ashton makes the save yet again.

82 Jordan Sangha, making his debut as a substitute after arriving on loan from Walsall, stings the palms of Ashton with a fierce driver from outside the 18-yard box.

Man of the match

Dwayne Samuels - a tough call between him and Williams but the

right-back worked tirelessly on the flank and went close to scoring on

a few occasions. Also took a pretty heft elbow to the head, for which

Chorley's Marcus Carver was sent off.

Position in the table

17th (11 points from 12 games)

Teams

AFC Telford United (4-3-3): Montgomery; Samuels, Havern (c), Bailey, Campion; Williams, Rea, Wilson; Hurst (Evans, 80), McCarthy (Peers,80), Hibbert (Sangha, 75). Subs: Reynolds, Osei.

Chorley (4-4-2): Ashton, Challonor, Beesley (Jarvis, 60), Teague, Leather, Charnock, Blakeman, Whitham, Carver, Walker (Gonzales, 85), Cottrell. Subs: O'Keefe, Roscoe, Lynch.

Attendance: 1031

Referee: A R Tankard (Sheffield)