Report: Tomlinson finish grabs draw

Ben Tomlinson's strike mid-way through the first half grabbed a second draw in succession for the Reds as 2020 began as 2019 ended, with a point gained for Billy Heath's side against Telford on New Years Day.

The draw ensured back to back points gained at the Impact Arena and an unbeaten run extended to two matches after five defeats in a row in all competitions prior.

The Bucks took the lead after a free kick on six minutes came into our box and brought a low shot from Barnett, which was blocked; but McQuilkin picked up the loose ball 20 yards out with the effort finding the top corner past Jordan Wright.

But with 25 gone, Amari Morgan-Smith's sharp turn and cross was prodded home by Ben Tomlinson past Yates which proved the final goal of the contest.

The game began in low-key fashion with not too many early chances, Josh Thacker screwed an effort from the edge of the box but with four minutes gone, Telford's first attack brought their first goal when McQuilkin found space 20 yards out and found the top corner past Wright.

The goal rocked us slightly as the Bucks came again, Brendon Daniels' low delivery from a free kick was blocked away before Barnett nearly found Stenson with a cross, he missed it but McQuilkin didn't, forcing Wright into a great save.

Yates saved from Amari's low shot on the turn before Daniels nodded wide at the far post from Barnett's cross. We looked to press and gain control with a long throw in from Josh Clackstone causing issues before the Bucks did clear.

Danny Preston's cross was just too long for Amari at the far post before the visitors pressed us again, Sutton won a header from a free kick which fell only as far as Daniels, he found Walker who forced a corner which Wright claimed.

McQuilkin poked a shot into the arms of Wright when well placed in the box before we equalised on 25 minutes when Amari's fantastic turn and low cross was stabbed home by Ben Tomlinson. Amari produced a similar cross a few minutes later which flashed across the face of goal.

Stenson headed wide from a Bucks free kick after he beat Wright to the aerial ball before Ryan Qualter headed wide late on as an even first period ended.

The second half started well for the Reds with Amari's strong run coming to an end with a good challenge by Deeney, Yates palmed a header away from our set piece before Qualter could only fire high and wide across goal.

Daniels fired harmlessly wide from distance before his free kick on 59 minutes cleared the angle of the goal as he beat the wall from 25 yards. Wright then collected easily from Sutton's header in the box.

Bobby Johnson fired over from 25 yards before Streete glanced an effort just wide of Jordan's far post, Daniels then went down in the box with his penalty claims waved away before two ambitious efforts from Daniels and Stenson were of no danger for Wright.

The Reds claimed another point and extended the unbeaten run to two matches and will head to Curzon Ashton on Saturday looking to come away with three points.

ATFCXI: Wright, Clackstone, Thacker, Johnson, Qualter (c), Branson, Preston, Tomlinson (Oyibo 80), Clarke, Morgan-Smith, Freiter (East 71).

Subs Not Used: Andrew, Blake, Hinchley.

Referee: Kristian Silcock
Attendance: 511