The numbers are looking good for AFC Telford United. Saturday’s goalless draw with Leiston made it 15 Pitching In Southern League Premier Central games unbeaten with 12 clean sheets from their last 24 outings.
“It’s a record that we’re proud of and a real credit to us as a team,” said goalkeeper, Brandon Hall, who is enjoying a solid season between the posts. “We see it as a great stepping stone to take into the second half of the season.
“We’re competing well in what is a strong League, so long may that continue. The quality of players in this League is very good, so it’s a nice challenge. For me personally it’s a slight adjustment as I am playing at a lot of stadiums that are new to me, but I am enjoying it.
“I rarely set myself personal targets going into a new season; the only aim for this season was promotion, however that comes!”
The 30 year-old has spent much of his career playing at a higher level for the likes of Woking, Kidderminster Harriers, Banbury United, Hereford and Gloucester City.
His know-how and reliability has proved to be a key ingredient for Kevin Wilkin’s side and has marked him out as one of the top custodians in the Southern League.
We asked him which saves particularly stand out from the campaign so far.
“The one at home to Halesowen Town where I tipped it around the post was probably the best,” he said. “The lad who hit the shot had already gone off to celebrate!
“Against Mickleover recently I stood up well and managed to tip the strike over the bar, which helped towards what was a good win for us.
“Those are probably the two stand-out saves for me, but it’s a team effort with everyone playing their part and there is definitely a strong feeling amongst the group that we can achieve something special this year.
“A club this size should be playing a level or two above and it can be tough as opponents raise their game against us. There is also expectation from the outside, but we are thriving on the pressure that this brings and hopefully we can keep adding to our impressive statistics in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Bucks head to Royston Town on Saturday having seen their trip to Stamford on Tuesday postponed.
IMAGE: Kieren Griffin Photography
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