Stockport 1 AFC Telford 1 - Report and pictures

In front of 4261 supporters - the largest crowd on hand for a Bucks game this season - Rob Smith's men chased every single ball, and as a result moved seven points clear of the National League North drop zone.

The hosts managed to break through Telford's solid rearguard with 70 minutes on the clock, but the scores were soon level as Joel Dielna's corner managed to find its way into the net - appearing to take a touch from a Hatters man along the way.

Analysis

Telford made three changes from last weekend's 3-0 loss at Boston United as Jack Rea, Eddie Jones and Paul McCone came in for Dan Westwood, Connor McCarthy and John Marsden - who was ineligible as he is on loan from Stockport.

Smith opted to play five at the back, with a narrow three-man midfield, aiming to soak up pressure and then threaten on the counter-attack with the forward pairing of Josh Wilson and Lee Hughes.

From the outset, the hosts had the lion's share of possession and Bucks keeper Callum Burton was tested six minutes in, acrobatically saving Jimmy Ball's bounced-up volley.

With the way Telford were set up, you sensed they would have to make the most of the chances they got.

An error by defender Hatters defender Michael Clarke in the 21st minute allowed Lee Hughes to run through on goal, but the veteran striker could not find the target.

He looked to have done everything right, evading Mark Ross' challenge by cutting inside, but dragged his shot a few yards wide of the far post. Hughes should have at least worked the keeper, and he has missed a few in similar situations over recent weeks.

Stockport were frustrated in the first half - they could not find a rhythm, and that was credit to the Bucks. And as the half drew to a close, it was Smith's charges who were on the front foot and keeping the home side penned in - role reversal.

Just prior to the interval, Telford skipper Luca Havern picked up a booking for wrestling winger Danny Lloyd to the ground.

That was the only shaky moment as each and every Bucks player displayed a fantastic work ethic in the opening 45 minutes - just what Smith and assistant boss Larry Chambers wanted to see.

Telford did not make a change at half-time and there was no need to. Stockport did though, with Sefton Gonzales replacing Connor Hampson - who appeared to pick up a knock late on in the first period.

Gonzales joined Josh Amis in attack for the hosts. He was their target man and, in the 51st minute, had a good opportunity to put the hosts ahead, but he just could not get on the end of a fine cross from the left.

The home crowd were willing their men on at every opportunity, but the Bucks were very much staying strong - doing their jobs.

After last weekend's capitulation at Boston, it was great to see such fight from Telford. Smith had urged his men to prove they deserve to be here next season, and they were certainly giving it their all.

In particular, Eddie Jones - who is likely to require an operation on a hernia soon - did not stop running. He covered almost every blade of grass.

The pressure was growing though and Stockport, in the 70th minute, broke the deadlock through Montrose. The former York City midfielder struck the ball well from just inside the box, and it was just out of the reach of Burton as it found the far corner.

The Bucks did not let that drag them down though, and they drew level within seven minutes. Joel Dielna's in-swinger from a corner found its way into the net, appearing to take a touch from a Stockport defender on its way through.

Smith kept things fresh as the tiring duo of Jones and Hughes made way for McCarthy and Zak Lilly in the closing stages. Dielna was booked before Telford successfully made it through a nervy four minutes of stoppage time to claim a well-deserved point.

A spirited showing, delighting the travelling supporters. There are plenty of positives to take heading into the home clash against Nuneaton Town on Monday.