PAUL’S OFF TO A REAL FLYER!
Oswell’s on fire for boss
NATIONAL LEAGUE North AFC Telford United produced a thoroughly professional performance to beat Isthmian North Felixstowe & Walton United comprehensively at The Goldstar Ground.
Paul Carden’s first game since leaving Warrington to take charge of the Shropshire side ended in a comfortable victory after they had travelled east the day before the match to give themselves the best chance of progressing.
Felixstowe manager Stuart Boardley could only hold his hands up after the game and admit they had been beaten by the better side on the day.
“Telford showed their quality, and particularly their fitness and athleticism, they were one step ahead of us today, quicker to the ball, sharper in the mind and that’s what took the game away from us early on in the first half,” he said.
“We were against the elements first half which didn’t help, that didn’t allow us to get out of the defensive areas at all and we found it tough, but I was pleased with our attitude and application.
“We kept going until the end and we can now concentrate on getting some players back from injury and pushing on in the league, it’s been another fantastic run in the cup, which is great for everyone involved, but the league is where we need to concentrate.”
The Seasiders could not contain the attacking threat of the visitors.
Carden saw his side dominate from the first whistle and the gulf between the sides was evident with Telford quicker to every ball.
Kyle Bennett thumped the crossbar from 25 yards on ten minutes before Williams opened the scoring on 22 minutes with a good finish after a neat layoff from Jason Oswell.
Dom McHale crossed for Oswell to tap home the second after 32 minutes. Felixstowe were seeing more of the play as the first half progressed but were hampered by the weather conditions with the strong wind and the heavy rain lashing down.
Armani Schaar and Josh Hitter both shot wide for the Seasiders before Telford wrapped the game up as a contest on 40 minutes, Williams pulling the ball back for Oswell to smash the ball home.
The second half was a more even affair with Felixstowe seeing greater possession and Telford themselves troubled by the severe wind. McHale struck
Telford’s fourth on 58 minutes after a fast break caught out the home side’s defence, allowing McHale to make space and fire his shot past Robinson.
Felixstowe were forced to rely on long-range efforts as the away defence held firm, Henry and Ford both firing over as Telford comfortably saw out the game to get Carden’s reign off to a win.
STAR MAN: Jason Oswell (AFC Telford United ) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★