Rob Smith (left) and assistant Larry Chambers ponder the future at Telford

A freak goal set Stafford on the way to avenging their Boxing Day defeat by AFC Telford with a 2-0 win at Marston Road.

A second-half clearance from Bucks keeper Ryan Young rebounded off the back of the unwitting Warwick Alexander and into the net.

Rangers clinched the points when Tom Thorley's corner was headed home from close range by Nick Wellecomme.

"Just shocking," Telford boss Rob Smith told BBC Radio Shropshire: "We didn't win a battle anywhere on the park."

The Bucks' three new signings failed to stop the rot.

Former Reading defender Aaron Brown, a likely target for Accrington Stanley when their embargo is lifted, was in the starting line-up following his release by Burton on 2 January.

Former Wolves midfielder Kevin O'Connor, on his way back after being forced to give up the game two years ago with sciatica, came off the bench late on.

And Adam Dugdale (on loan from Barrow) stayed on the bench.

"We've got good footballers in the side, but you've got to win your physical battles. We did nothing up front, and we looked shaky at the back. It was all-round atrocious," Smith added.

The result saw Telford, pre-season favourites for at least the play-offs, stuck in ninth spot in Blue Square North but lifted Chris Brindley's Stafford five places to 11th with what was only their third home win of the season.

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