AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards: We're not a bottom three team

The Bucks got a much-needed victory on Saturday, beating North Ferriby United 3-0 at home.

They remain second from bottom in National League North but, while acknowledging there is a lot of work still to be done, Edwards said: "I've said to the players, this is a project – long term.

"We're not a bottom three team.

"And next year, we certainly won't be. Next year, we need to be looking up there.

"There's 16 more cup finals for us.

"I suppose the proof will be in the pudding at the end of the season. We know we've got to long way to go.

"One win, let's not get carried away. No one is going to hand us anything but we know we've got a lot of those tough games out of the way.

"This is a period now where we really have to focus."

Next up for Telford is the visit of Curzon Ashton – who are two places and a point better off than Edwards' charges – tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Nash gave up a three-goal lead against Boston United at the weekend to draw 3-3.

The New Bucks Head pitch is set be quite boggy, as it was against North Ferriby, and Edwards said: "On a difficult surface, we played some really good football at times – and got a good win.

"It is a tough surface to play on, everyone can see that. But we got the ball down on the deck, at the right times.

"And then, at the right times, we played longer. I thought the balance was good.

"We've got to take that into tomorrow, which is a very tough game.

"The pitch won't have much time to recover. It'll be a similar game-plan again."

Edwards also took time to praise goalkeeper Ben Wilson and striker Amari Morgan-Smith, who made their Bucks debuts against North Ferriby.

Wilson kept a clean sheet and looked solid on the few occasions he was forced into action, while Morgan-Smith rounded off an impressive display by scoring a penalty.

"I thought they were excellent. There was a lot of calmness and good decisions from Ben," added Edwards.

"Amari's running was great. He put his penalty away really well – he deserved it."