The third meeting between AFC Telford United Fans and Telford Stewards resulted in another win for the Fans who are enjoying a good winning streak. In truth, it's about time we faced some better competition because although at times we aren't playing brilliant football we are beating any team that is placed before us.

With minimal players turning up due to prior Sunday League commitments with other teams the squad was very limited in depth, but managed to pull off a good victory although the result was a slightly unfair reflection of the game itself.

The game started with the fans on top, and yet again (a line that Mr Catling and Mr Manns will enjoy) the "wingbacks", Adam Rathbone and Greg Paul, were looking to fly up the line as much as possible! Most of the play for the first ten minutes came through Lee McNally, Greg Paul, and Mike Nadal down the left hand side of the pitch. The Fans won a series of corners which Mike Nadal took, which created absolutely mayhem in the box. The Fans on a better day would have converted at least one of these chances.

A few sloppy errors began to creep into the game, one noticeable error in particular was when Greg Paul played the ball across the box which was cut off by the Stewards striker but the forward dragged his shot wide.

The fans first goal came from a misdirected cross from winger Mike Nadal which the keeper flapped at it uncontrollably, before letting the ball bounce of his knee and roll into the goal net. Credit can go to Nadal for the goal, although really the keeper should have done a lot better.

Eventually after a lot more scrappy play, and a lot of fans possession we won another corner, which was taken by Richard Manns who himself was perhaps the best performer for the Fans in the first half. The corner resulted in the second goal for the fans which was perhaps the scrappiest goal we've ever scored. It ended up with Steven Bowya poking the ball in from around three yards out. It was his first goal for the fans, wahay!

We must have had about 15 shots in the first half, with most of the opportunities coming Richard Manns' way. A fine individual effort by him saw him flash a very difficult left footed volley just wide of the post. If that had gone in it would have been the best strike we've been from the goal scoring striker.

Telford never really got into a rhythm first half though and an aimless long ball from the Stewards caught the fans team defence unawares allowing one of the quick Stewards strikers to cash in and loft of a lovely volleyed goal over the helpless Rob Hughes. This was certainly the goal of the game and the wake up call the Fans team needed.

A number of other efforts flew in on goal before the half time whistle, the highlight of which was definitely Michael Sheridan's long range effort that crashed against the cross bar which was a tremendous effort.

AFC Telford Fans 2 - AFC Telford Stewards 1 

Half time changes saw Ian Pessall come into left back for his first match for a long while replacing Sam Caine and Greg Paul was moved into right midfield.

Although finishing the first half in a somewhat lacklustre fashion, Telford bounced back into some kind of shape, but was then interrupted with a few injuries to both Michael Nadal and Steven Bowyer, the latter of which seems to have caused himself a major injury unfortunately. This saw the midfield get stretched for a short period with the tiring Greg Paul, Michael Sheridan and Lee McNally playing in the midfield. Eventually Sam Caine came back on to replace Bowyer and Michael Nadal over-come his injury. This saw Greg Paul move upfront to support Manns.

The game was very cat and mouse during the half way stages of the second half. Telford's third came from Sam Caine getting shoved aside in the penalty area for Dave Pearson to slot home a very nicely taken penalty.

Telford's fourth came from a corner taken from Mike Nadal for Chris Catling to pop up at the back post for his first goal for Telford fans. He was clearly delighted as he trotted back to his position and fair play to him too! There is no doubt that himself and Mr. Bowyer deserve their first goals for the team and hopefully more will follow! 

Some silky stuff from Greg Paul followed as he managed three kick up's before unfortunetly losing the ball, but in fairness I only lost the ball because of Chris Catling laughing at me from the distance!

The game petered out for a while, until some little arrogant idiot started some arguments firstly with Dave Pearson, and then with Richard Manns. Quite funny really.

Anyway another good win, job well done!

FT. AFC Telford Fans 4 - AFC Telford Stewards 1