07/12/2025 – 12:00

Cup Quarter Final – OD Murphy**

Telford Town 6 – 1 Bridgnorth Spartans Blacks

See the full match here or watch highlights here

After last week’s disappointment, Telford returned to OD Murphy determined to put things right in this cup quarter final. The tie was originally set to be played away, but with Bridgnorth’s pitch waterlogged, the fixture was reversed—handing Telford home advantage.

Despite three regulars still sidelined through illness, Telford’s strong squad depth again allowed them to field a competitive and energetic side.

Starting XI

GK: Will
Back Three: Evan, Brad, George
Midfield: Kayden (holding), Fin, Xavi
Wing Backs: Archie, Josh
Forwards: Harveer, Bayley
Subs: Oliver, Zami, Luke (rolling subs)

Heavy rain the previous day forced an early pitch inspection, but the surface passed and proved to be in good condition.

First Half

Telford came flying out of the blocks, moving the ball quickly and attacking with purpose. Both flanks caused problems from the first whistle, pinning Spartans deep inside their own half.

8 minutes – Telford strike first

A swift move down the left saw Josh and Harveer combine before finding Fin. His pinpoint cross from the left was met by Archie, arriving from the opposite wing, who volleyed home.

Telford 1 – 0 Bridgnorth

10 minutes – The lead doubled

Josh received the ball in space after a clever decoy run from Bayley dragged two defenders out of position. His cross was met by Harv, whose initial effort was blocked, but Fin arrived on the edge of the box to stroke the rebound calmly past the keeper.

Telford 2 – 0 Bridgnorth

18 minutes – Bridgnorth pull one back

A loose ball fell to George at left back, and his pass back to Will bounced awkwardly. The Bridgnorth striker reacted quickest, poking home.

Telford 2 – 1 Bridgnorth

19 minutes – Instant response

Telford regained their cushion immediately.
Josh delivered a dangerous cross from the left, and Archie—again ghosting in from the opposite side—kept it alive before squaring for Harv, who finished low into the bottom corner.

Telford 3 – 1 Bridgnorth

The rest of the half saw Telford in complete control, moving the ball with confidence and shutting down every Bridgnorth attack before it developed.

Half Time: Telford 3 – 1 Bridgnorth

The message was simple:
“Keep doing what you're doing. Keep shooting. More goals will come.”

Second Half

With the wind behind them, Telford started the second half exactly as they had the first—on the front foot and full of intent.

43 minutes – Harv at the double

Kayden pounced on a loose ball in midfield and slipped a perfect slide-rule pass to Bayley, who cleverly flicked the ball around the corner into Harv’s path.

The master poacher rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home.

Telford 4 – 1 Bridgnorth

Telford sensed blood and kept piling forward. Bridgnorth defended bravely, but the pressure was relentless.

60 minutes – Archie with a solo stunner

Another wicked delivery from Josh caused chaos. The cross missed everyone, but Archie collected the loose ball on the right, turned his defender inside-out, and fired home from the tightest of angles.

Shot or cross?
Only Archie knows—but it was 5–1.

Telford 5 – 1 Bridgnorth

64 minutes – A moment to remember: Luke scores!

From a corner, the clearance dropped to Oliver whose shot ricocheted in the box. The ball fell to Luke (usually in goal), playing outfield today.

His first effort was saved, but the rebound came straight back to him—this time he smashed it home.

Cue absolute scenes.
Teammates sprinting from everywhere to celebrate a rare and brilliant moment.

Telford 6 – 1 Bridgnorth

The final minutes saw Telford continue to dominate, but Bridgnorth held firm to prevent further damage.

Full Time: Telford Town 6 – 1 Bridgnorth Spartans Blacks
Man of the Match: Josh Stone

A superb performance down the left flank. Constant energy, dangerous deliveries, and unlucky not to score himself. His assists and attacking threat were instrumental in Telford’s win.

Summary

A fantastic response to last week’s setback.
Gone were the nerves, the long balls, and the hesitation.
This was the real Telford—controlled, composed, creative, and ruthless.

They dominated from the first minute to the last and could easily have scored more. A brilliant team performance and a statement victory to book a place in the Cup Semi Final.

Next up:
League action at home in the Telford Town Derby vs Telford Town Warriors, before the squad breaks for Christmas.

Telford Town Football Club

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