LIAM WATSON picked up his first silverware as manager of AFC Telford United on Monday but was disappointed with the Bucks’ performance in their 3-1 Shropshire Senior Cup win over Market Drayton Town.
The game was initially meant to be a play-off to decide which club would play Shrewsbury Town in the final but the Cup became up for grabs following the League One side’s withdrawal last week.
Northern Premier League Division One South outfit Market Drayton began brightly and took a deserved early lead through Rob Stevenson.
But Telford hit back courtesy of debutant Mike Phenix, who poked home from close range after fellow new signing Simon Grand flicked on a long throw from another summer arrival, Andy Owens.
The two sides went into half time level but the Bucks edged in front just eight minutes into the second period.
Owens was again involved, combining neatly with Sean Clancy before the ball fell to Alan Moogan in front of goal. The former Southport man then produced a composed finish to give the Bucks a slender advantage.
With 13 minutes to go Owens capped a fine display with a goal of his own, capitalising on a mistake from the Gingerbread Men’s goalkeeper to volley home.
Market Drayton failed to find a way back into the game, leaving the Bucks to enjoy their first County Cup success since 2008.
Despite the victory, Bucks boss Liam Watson was disappointed with a number of elements of his side’s performance.
Speaking after the final whistle, he said: “I don’t think we’ve played well at all tonight, but we’ve done enough to grind out a result.
“We weren’t strong enough in the middle of the pitch, we didn’t win enough second ball, the team was stretched.”
However, he was pleased by the improvement shown in the second 45 minutes.
“I think the most important thing is that we had a bit of a reaction from what was said at half time,” he added.
