AFC Telford managed to beat the drop in their first season since winning promotion but it was only just and in a way they managed to escape only because a couple of teams below them suffered badly with issues off the pitch. The Bucks never really convinced all season but managed to get some lucky wins on board and at the end finish in the last place above the drop zone. Andy Sinton was busy in the market despite winning promotion in the previous season and signed a raft of players which ensured a wide range of players at his disposal that he at times looked unable to rotate effectively. Nevertheless, things started quite well and a shock 1:0 win at York, which proved the only away win the team would claim all season in the league, and a few solid performances at home. Indeed, the team was at its best all season in September, playing with good tempo and getting some good goals. They nearly beat Fleetwood away from home before being pegged back to a 2:2 draw. However, the form of the team dipped in October when they lost four games in a row and suddenly looked like a team devoid of drive and organisation. Ryan Young was doing his bit between the sticks and Sean Newton was showing why he is one of the best left-backs in the non-league but apart from that few players were showing their true potential. Sinton was constantly changing the side and oversaw a dreadful run of one win in 15 league games from September to January. The team was sitting above the drop zone but in constant danger of being dragged down and the players seemed inhibited by that burden. They were playing some decent football when the pressure was not on them like in the game at Grimsby and at home to Cambridge but poor finishing was costing them too. They secured a couple of vital wins in the weeks to follow that kept them clear of danger but still the team never managed to go on a good run of form and stave the threat. Eventually Sinton steadied the ship defensively in late March and a four-game unbeaten run along with a vital 1:0 victory over Tamworth in April got them off the hook. However, Sinton and company will need to do better next season when the competition against the drop is likely to be tougher.
