AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan: Bucks 'sulked' in defeat

After a good start the Bucks faltered, with Dom McHale making it 1-0 at the break.

It could have been more at half time and it was shortly after, as Kurt Willoughby's striker was followed by a Tom Peers third.

Telford did huff and puff, but Ellis Deeney's late penalty was all they could muster.

Cowan said his side dropped off again after a positive start.

He said: "For whatever reason we did not perform at the levels we have been, and FC United capitalised on that.

"I thought we started magnificently and did well.

"We spoke in the week about being ruthless and giving little away, and they did everything well.

"We had three or four chances and then they got a little bit of encouragement.

"We became despondent and almost sulked, I think sulked is the right word.

"It didn't go our way and we didn't problem solve."

FC United had numerous chances in the second period and if they would have scored more than five Telford could not have argued.

He said his players may have thought the lowly visitors may roll over, but he said if that was the case it was a dangerous attitude to have.

He also admitted it is the first time this season a side have wanted it more than his troops.

He added: "What the players may have mistaken today is that FC United would come here and roll over and it does not work like that.

"Hopefully we can use this as a positive at the back end of the season, about how we need our core values and can't shirk them.

"I would rather get done by a team passing is off the park.

"The passion and desire is something that sticks in my stomach.

"A man with nothing to lose is a dangerous man I told the players, and they played without fear.

"Their desire and hard work was above and beyond us, and that is the most painful thing.

"It is the first time I have seen it this season, and it is surprising.