AFC Telford's Dwayne Samuels keen to sign off on a high

The 26-year-old – who has made the most appearances in National League North for the Bucks this campaign, with 39 – is determined to right the wrongs of Monday’s 4-2 loss to Nuneaton Town as they head to Darlington tomorrow, writes Joe Edwards.

“On Monday, we started the game well. We were attacking well, had a few chances and looked the better team,” said Samuels.

“Then, we conceded and our heads dropped. We got back into it before half-time but we conceded two more again and in the end, we gave ourselves too much to do.”

That result came after a 1-1 draw at Stockport County on Good Friday, and Samuels said: “It’s frustrating but that’s how it has been all season.

“It’’s one step forward, and then three back. It has been stop-start.

“For anyone involved with Telford, it has been difficult.

“It has been difficult for the fans and as players it is so, so frustrating.

“Ultimately, we are the ones going out there to play and letting ourselves down, and letting the club down.”

Samuels – who won the AFC Telford United player of the season last term – believes there is plenty of ability in the squad.

Boss Rob Smith shares that view, and Samuels insists it is a lack of confidence and belief that has been their downfall.

“We let a goal in and our heads drop,” he said. “We all do it. Along with Lucs Havern, I’ve played the most games and we have all done it so supporters can look at me as much as anyone.

“It’s a mentality thing and that is something the manager has spoke about after games. The talent has never really been questioned, it’s a confidence thing. We know we can do it but we haven’t done it enough.”

The Bucks have, over the course of this season, largely performed well against the better sides of the division, such as Darlington – who they beat 2-0 at home back in November – but struggled against the sides around them in the table.

A point at Blackwell Meadows would definitely confirm survival and Samuels added: “When we go to these top teams with a real game-plan, we tend to put in good performances.

“I can see it happening again, 100 per cent. Hopefully we can take the positives from how we have done at Stockport and Fylde and then at home against Kidderminster earlier in the season.”

He added: “It’s been a poor, disappointing season for us.

“The fans really deserve good performances from our last two games to get us over the line.

“Then we can write off this season and look ahead to next season.

“We realise the damage has been done in terms of this season.

“If we do get two wins, it won’t change the outlook of this season but hopefully we can give the supporters a little something to shout about.”