York 1 Telford 0 - Report and pictures
AFC Telford United did not realise their play-off dream as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at York City.
With Bradford Park Avenue losing 3-2 to Chorley, a point was all the Bucks needed to make it - but the hosts were firmly in control for the vast majority of this clash.
Minstermen skipper Jordan Burrow headed home in the 52nd minute, before Gavin Cowan’s side made a late push with no reward. They end the National League North campaign eighth.
Analysis
Telford made a big call in leaving out Shrewsbury loanee Ryan Barnett, but veteran Theo Streete returned to defence and vice-skipper Ellis Deeney was back in midfield after serving a three-match ban.
Steph Morley had a left-footed effort blocked early on for the Bucks. Apart from that though, they failed to trouble the hosts in the first half.
They did not have a spell of prolonged possession as York eagerly pressed high up the pitch. Burrow should have given the hosts the lead but his close-range header was kept out by a stunning save from Josef Bursik at his near post.
Telford needed to display more ambition after the break - and Cowan made a change, bringing on attacking midfielder Darryl Knights for centre-half Streete.
However, they soon slipped behind. Bursik did well to deny Adriano Moke but Burrow headed home from the resulting corner. The target man was not tracked.
Marcus Dinanga and Barnett also entered the fray for the Bucks, but to no avail.
A disappointing ending, no doubt, but very much a season to be proud of for everyone of a Telford persuasion.
Nobody really expected them to get this far in the league, or to the FA Trophy semi-final. Cowan and his charges have restored pride.
Key Moments
41 - Fantastic save from Bursik to prevent the Minstermen going in front. He acrobatically keeps out Burrow’s glancing header at his near post. Excellent keeping from the Stoke loanee.
51 - Bursik makes another important stop for Telford. This time, he rushes out to get in the way of Moke’s attempt from just inside the area. Confident work from the youngster again.
52 - Goal! From the resulting corner though, big No.9 Burrow heads York into the lead after being left with too much room. Nothing Bursik could have done on this occasion.
Teams
York (4-3-3): Whitley; Griffiths, Tait, Newton, Ferguson; Burgess, Moke, McLaughlin; Kempster (York, 68), Burrow, Harris (Dyer, 90)
Subs not used: Law, Moon, Bartlett
Goal: Burrow (52)
Telford (3-5-2): Bursik; Streete (Knights, 46), Sutton (c), Smith; White, Cowans, Deeney, McQuilkin, Morley (Barnett, 73); Morgan-Smith (Dinanga, 68), Udoh
Subs not used: Royle, Brown
