Match report AFC Telford 2-0 Kidderminster

by Jamie Morris

AFC Telford recorded their first victory of the campaign following a convincing 2-0 victory against Kidderminster Harriers with Gavin Cowan adding “I’m really pleased with that win”, as Aaron Williams opened his account for the Bucks.

It was a goal in each half that helped the Bucks get off to the perfect start at home with Darryl Knights scoring the first goal after 28 minutes, when Chris Lait`s cross was only half cleared with the ball breaking out to Knights who let the ball bounce before diverting his low driven volley from outside of the box into the bottom corner.

Williams then doubled the lead for the Bucks when he pressed at the Kidderminster backline as they were unable to move the ball out of their own box, with Williams persistence coming on top as he robbed the ball from the away sides defence, before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Telford were still then looking for a third as in the 69th minute Knights could have added a second to his name, after he managed to latch onto a through ball but he could only aim his shot straight towards Kidderminster goalkeeper Cameron Gregory.

Young keeper Corey Addai put up an impressive display on the night with his best save coming in the 71st minute following a corner kick from the opposition, as Ryan Johnson managed to break free at the front post before seeing his header superbly tipped around the post by Addai.

The young keeper was also forced into action during the first half when Ed Williams found himself through on goal after Sam Austin`s positive run, with his shot been fired straight at the keeper as Addai once again stood firm in the Telford goal.

Manager Gavin Cowan`s verdict after the game: “I’m really pleased with how the lads carried out the game plan, I thought we stuck to the task really well against a really good side, in and out of possession and I thought we were really good for the win.

“We’re in the game to win football matches aren`t we?, I think we`ve had two very good performances where we have probably deserved more points on the board but as it stands I’m really pleased with that win and hopefully that will kick-start us for the rest of the season.”

Williams, a summer addition from Harrogate town on a free transfer was named man of the match with the manager been delighted with what he has seen from the attacker so far. As Williams opened his account for the Bucks on his home debut.

He said: “we`re really pleased, he`s a goalscorer which is something we needed to bring in, but also his leadership qualities, he leads really well from the front line and he`s been an excellent addition to the squad.”

He also went onto discuss on how important continuity is with last season`s squad been improved upon by five summer additions, alongside the fact that he felt that last season`s team deserved another chance this campaign.

He said: “It`s hard to bring in a whole new set of players and teach them how we play because it`s very strategic, the fact we have bought in five it makes it a lot easier for me to teach them how we play. I think the lads who were here last season deserved the next go and can probably go onto another level as well.

“The heart and desire, forty minutes into the second half, where there`s sort of five balls to be won in the space of seven or eight seconds and it`s great to see that we won every single one of them which is not something that`s happened at the club since I’ve been here. So we`ve added winners and people who are going to get us over the line and I’m really pleased. “