Analysis: AFC Telford's new signing provides the Sylvan lining

The Bucks were very poor on the back foot against Droylsden – who play in the Evo-Stik Northern league First Division North, two tiers below Rob Edwards’ side.

But they were bailed out by their attackers, in particular by big-name arrival Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Telford fans were excited to see the former Wolves and Shrewsbury man in action following the announcement of his signing on Friday – and he announced his arrival in style.

A cool side-footed finish was followed up by a close-range header, after cleverly peeling off his marker.

Yes, it was against lesser opposition and, aged 31, he does not have the pace he once had, but Ebanks-Blake displayed the goalscoring instinct which made him such a hit at Molineux.

He was scoring goals in the Premier League at the turn of the decade and while this clash in front of 522 fans was a far cry from those days, he celebrated his strikes just the same as those in old gold.

After a few years plagued by injuries and fitness struggles, he is simply happy to be playing again.

And with his nous and the exuberance of Marcus Dinanga – who netted his 12th goal of the campaign – the Bucks could very well have a lethal partnership on their hands.

The performances of those two – and John Marsden in an attacking midfield role – would no doubt have pleased the Telford faithful, but the defence were well below par.

Wolves loanees Aaron Simpson and Aaron Hayden have regularly put in nervy displays – and teams are capitalising on their lack of confidence.

It took just three minutes for Droylsden to take the lead here as Ciaran Kilheeney ghosted into the six-yard box and was afforded the time to take a touch before firing the ball past Jas Singh.

Unforgivable defending, especially considering Liam Caddick missed a glorious chance to put the Bloods ahead a matter of seconds beforehand.

The visitors could have – and should have – been three up by the time the Bucks equalised.

They were at sixes and sevens at the back but Ebanks-Blake brought them back to level terms, slotting in with such composure after a well-weighted pass from Dinanga.

It did not take long for the Telford backline to fall asleep again though, with Sefton Gonzales heading in from close range.

The home supporters were understandably very frustrated as Gonzales – who thrives in the air – was not picked up. As Bucks chief Edwards said post-match, it is basic errors – if there is a big striker, at least try to mark him.

Ebanks-Blake, almost instantly, was on hand once more though with a header of his own to wrap up a crazy first half.

Edwards, unsurprisingly, cut a very frustrated figure as he emerged from the tunnel – and took a seat alone in the dugout to collect his thoughts – before the second period got under way.

Max Leonard missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put Telford ahead before the hour mark, but Marsden made the most of the chance that came his way. A player that was sorely missed for the four games he spent on the sidelines with an ankle injury, he has scored in each of the matches since his return.

Top scorer Dinanga – who missed a few clear-cut chances in the first half – made sure of the victory late on.

The Bucks are through, but they made hard work of it. The defence has to improve.