Shropshire Star

Rob Edwards hails Marcus Dinanga as AFC Telford secure FA Cup progress

Boss Rob Edwards has heaped praise on top scorer Marcus Dinanga after yet another fine showing as AFC Telford United advanced in the FA Cup.

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Marcus Dinanga.

The Burton Albion loanee netted twice - to take his tally to eight for the season - as the Bucks beat Stafford Rangers 4-1 in a third qualifying round replay.

Dinanga, aged 20, wants to net at least 30 times this campaign.

"He has got the right attitude, he is working really hard and is focused," said Edwards.

"He is a goalscorer, he loves scoring goals and we want people who love scoring goals.

"The best thing about him is that he is working for the team, that's the most important thing.

"When he does that, he will score goals. His form is good.

"That's what we demand from all the players, that work rate.

"If they don't have that and do that, they won't be around for long.

"Everyone gives us the effort every day, that's a must. It's not negotiable."

Dinanga's fellow forwards Anthony Dwyer and Jordan Murphy also scored at the New Bucks Head against the Evo-Stik Northern Premier side.

Telford are set to face FC United of Manchester in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday, October 14.

On the form of his frontline, Edwards said: "It's really important, the hardest thing in football is to score goals.

"To have three lads in good form and scoring is fantastic.

"It gives the lads confidence that if we can keep things tight at one end, we know we will always get a chance to score. It is a real positive."

Dinanga got the opener, which was cancelled out by Boro's Richard Gregory.

In the second half, Dinanga's header boosted the Bucks' confidence before they pulled away through Dwyer and Murphy.

Edwards added: "Personally, I think it could have been 4-1 at half-time.

"We weathered the storm a little bit once they got the equaliser, they rocked us a little bit.

"That was the most complete performance we have had so far this season, in terms of 90 odd minutes, I am pleased with the lads.

"Switching the play was something we did well. We got some joy in the second half so it was good."