Preview: AFC Telford United (A)
The Blues return to action on Boxing Day with a trip to Shropshire for a clash with AFC Telford United!
Our last outing saw a 3-1 defeat at home to South Shields, which ended a seven-game unbeaten streak in the Enterprise National League North throughout November and the beginning of December, whilst the Bucks secured an impressive 2-0 success on the road at Buxton.
Our most recent trip to Shropshire ended goalless on Boxing Day in 2022, before the reverse fixture also saw the points shared on New Year’s Day, as Joe Lynch equalised in stoppage-time after Harry Flowers had put Telford ahead down CH1.
The Opposition
A recent six-match run without defeat has propelled Kevin Wilkin’s side up to 14th on their return to the sixth tier, following a two-year hiatus in the Southern League Premier Division Central.
Their last three outings in all competitions have results in three-straight wins, with nine goals scored in the process.
The run started with a 3-1 win on the road at Leamington, followed by a dramatic 4-3 Isuzu FA Trophy success over Altrincham, and the aforementioned 2-0 win against Buxton.
The Gaffer
Experienced boss Kevin Wilkin is over three years into his reign in Shropshire, having bounced back from relegation in 2023 to regain their National League North status thanks to play-off success over Kettering Town in May 2025.
The 58-year-old’s most notable spell in management came at Brackley Town, where he held his role in the dugout for seven years between September 2015 and September 2022.
During his time at St James Park, Wilkin led the club to FA Trophy glory in 2018, beating Bromley 5-4 on penalties in front of over 30,000 fans at Wembley.
One To Watch
Experienced striker Matty Stenson has been a key component to the Bucks’ solid start to the campaign, with eight goals in 17 appearances in the National League North to date.
The talisman became the club’s all-time top scorer earlier in December, as a brace against Altrincham took him to the tally of 58 goals in less than three full seasons.
Coventry born, Stenson started his career at Hinckley United before featuring for numerous clubs, including Leamington, Solihull Moors, FC Halifax Town, Kidderminster Harriers, and Nuneaton Borough.
League Form Guide
AFC Telford United | W7 D8 L7 | F38 A33 | Pos: 14th
Last three
Southport (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Walker, Stenson
Leamington (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Allen-Hadley, Dyer, Hilton
Buxton (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: George x2
Chester FC | W7 D9 L5 | F31 A31 | Pos: 13th
Last three
Radcliffe (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, Peers, Woods
King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Bainbridge, K. Roberts
South Shields (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Woods
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off at the SEAH Stadium will be at 15:00. The postcode for the ground is TF1 2NW.
TICKET DETAILS
Our allocation of 800 away tickets has now sold out – Thank you for your unbelievable support!
Please do not travel to the SEAH Stadium if you have not already purchased a ticket.
Travel
By Car – Leave Chester on the A41 travelling South East, before leaving for the A53 Westbound at Tern Hill. Then join the A442 towards Telford, which will take supporters to the Haybridge Roundabout. From here, take the fourth exit and the New Bucks Head will appear on the right-hand side of the road.
By Train – There are no train services from Chester to Telford on the day of the game.
We hope to see you there, UTS!