WILKIN: DO IT FOR THE FANS
KEVIN Wilkin wants his AFC Telford United players to do more for the loyal supporters of the struggling National League North side.
And after two months in charge of the Bucks, the former Brackley boss admits he is disappointed not to have hoisted the team off the foot of the table.
“There are so many good things about the club and that includes the supporters,” Wilkin admitted. “The crowds have continued to get behind the team and players need to be appreciative of that. They travel in strong numbers and there has not been enough given back to those supporters on the field so we need to do more.
“We have to put more wins on the board because that’s what the Telford supporters deserve. It’s frustrating that I’ve not been able to improve things to the level I would have hoped by this stage but we are honest and continue to work at it.”
Victory over Banbury United at the start of December was Telford’s first league win since seeing off Chorley on the opening day of the season. Those three points were followed by a draw with another of the title hopefuls Chester on Boxing Day, evidence that things could be starting to turn for the Shropshire side.
Encouraged
Wilkin added: “It was a big ask when we took the job and we have been hampered by so many injuries to players and suspensions which has meant there has been very little continuity. In certain games we feel we should have got something more and while we have improved certain areas, we need to improve a whole lot more.
“Players are making progress all the time and if we can get our best XI out on the pitch on a regular basis then we will clearly stand a better chance of getting out of the predicament we find ourselves in.”
The Bucks remain seven points adrift at the bottom of the table, although Wilkin will be encouraged with a 0-0 draw against a high-flying Chester side who had won their last four matches and unbeaten in the league since October 8.
Closest rivals at the bottom Blyth Spartans
slipped to a 3-1 home defeat to Spennymoor Town courtesy of a double from Rob Ramshaw, and that allowed Kettering Town
to make strides after they edged out 10-man rivals Peterborough Sports 2-1.
Frankie Maguire put the Poppies in front from the penalty spot after Connor Kennedy was sent off for two yellow cards in the first half. Dan Lawler equalised from the spot but Gary Stohrer won it for the visitors five minutes from time.
Leaders Darlington missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top about they went down 3-2 at home to Scarborough Athletic, who move up to third.
Derby
Michael Coulson stole victory for the Seadogs three minutes from time after first-half strikes from Kieran Glynn and Dom Tear sandwiched efforts from Darlo’s Jacob Hazel and Mark Beck.
Henry Landers netted ten minutes from time to earn Banbury United a point in their local derby with Brackley Town after Adam Rooney had earlier put the Saints in front and that allowed King’s Lynn Town to close the gap at the top after late goals from Gold Omotayo and Oliver Scott helped secure a 2-0 win at Boston United.
Jon Ustabasi’s winner six minutes from time earned Chorley the points in a 2-1 win at AFC Fylde, while Jack Bearne’s 23rd-minute winner was enough to help Kidderminster Harriers to victory at Hereford.
Alfreton Town were convincing 3-0 winners at home to Buxton, while the three remaining games all finished 1-1; Bradford Park Avenue’s visit of Farsley Celtic, Southport’s trip to Curzon Ashton and Leamington
versus Gloucester City.