Analysis: Relief as AFC Telford end winless run

What is most important is the Bucks claimed the three points they so desperately needed.

This was their first win in National League North since beating Tamworth 2-0 on November 21.

And as you would expect, this triumph over the league’s bottom side was met with relief and elation in equal measure by the New Bucks Head faithful.

They finally have something to smile about.

Telford may remain second from bottom, but this was a timely confidence boost ahead of another big clash tomorrow night against Curzon Ashton – who are two places and a point better off than Rob Edwards’ charges.

Anything less than a win here would have been catastrophic for the Bucks.

After all, North Ferriby United entered the clash – and left it – with just nine points to their name.

Following relegation from the National League last term, they have massively struggled to adjust to the demands of the division.

They are 22 points from safety and a second straight relegation seems all-but confirmed for them.

This was Telford’s first Saturday league game at home since losing 2-1 to Alfreton Town on November 18, due to a spate of postponements.

The pitch was not in great condition but, thankfully, it was deemed playable.

Two players were making their Bucks debuts.

Cardiff City loanee Ben Wilson was between the sticks while Amari Morgan-Smith, signed from York City, started up front.

The first 15 minutes were played at a pre-season pace, with both sides – unsurprisingly, given their league positions – visibly low on confidence.

There was not much noise being made from the stands either. It was all a bit flat.

Right on cue, though, John Marsden came up with a piece of brilliance to spark the hosts into life.

Picking up the ball on the left-hand corner of the 18-yard box, he cut inside onto his right foot and beat North Ferriby goalie Ross Durant with a sublime strike.

Telford failed to extend their lead before half-time, but did so in the second half.

A penalty was awarded in the 76th minute after Jack Walters blocked Morgan-Smith’s shot with his hand in the box.

The striker then stepped up to the mark and coolly converted from the spot, sending Durrant the wrong way.

That capped off a fine showing from the new Bucks No.9.

Having lived in the area for five years, Morgan-Smith vowed to give his all in a Telford shirt – and he certainly did so.

A strong, fast frontman, he could become a huge favourite of the fans.

Marcus Dinanga got back among the goals inside stoppage time too, with a fine effort from the edge of the area.

He had gone five matches without scoring and will be glad to have lifted a weight off his shoulders.

The Burton Albion loanee’s confidence seems to be on the rise again.

Edwards was happy with the performance his men, hailing their excellent work rate.

Skipper Shane Sutton looked very assured at the back too, but the standout performer was Marsden. He gives his all for the cause and has the ability to turn a game on its head.

There are positives to take but, as the boss said afterwards, the Bucks cannot get carried away.

They are still in a fight which has the potential to go right down to the wire.