Rob Smith: AFC Telford win dedicated to the fans

The Bucks are now six points above the National League North drop zone after picking up their second away win of the season.

"That's for the supporters, who have travelled in their numbers again and were excellent," said Smith.

"They've had a tough old year, as we all have, and now they have something to cheer. Supporting Telford has not been great over the last few years, it has been torturous and it hasn't been much better as manager, believe me.

"That's a big win for us and now all of our focus is on going and beating Worcester (City, on Saturday). If we can, I think we are nearly there."

Ben Bailey's bullet header put Telford ahead in the 51st minute, with John Marsden creating some breathing space by netting in the 77th.

The win comes as a huge boost as they had lost four games in succession beforehand, heading into another big game against Worcester.

"I thought the effort and commitment was first class. We knew it was going to be tough and we knew we had to be patient, and I thought we deserved it in the end," said Smith.

"It went the way we expected it to (in the first half). The only frustration for me was that we weren't quite making enough of our set-pieces.

"We had a bit of a go at Joel Dielna at half-time because he couldn't even put a ball in the box, but then he puts a ball in that gets us the goal. We told him to be a man and take it.

"I thought he was excellent but it's thin lines. Against Brackley, we made mistakes and got punished for them. We didn't make as many this time around and we come out as winners."

Dielna set up the first goal and Connor McCarthy - handed a start despite a poor run of form this term - got the assist for the second.

Smith added: "I thought that was a little more like Connor McCarthy tonight, so that was pleasing.

"The players are giving me their all, and I can't ask for any more than that.