19/04/2026 12:30 – League Fixture - OD Murphy

Fresh from last week’s cup triumph, Telford Town returned to league action knowing that only a win would keep their promotion hopes firmly on track.

Line-up:
Will in goal

Back three of Evan, Brad, and George

Zami holding midfield behind Harv and Fin

Josh and Preston as wing backs

Bayley and Jacob playing as a front two

Subs: Finn W, Ethan, Xavi and Archie (rolling substitutions)

The pitch was in decent condition and, for once, the weather played its part — sunshine overhead and even a bit of warmth in the air, with both coaches opting for shorts for the first time this season.

Highlights can be seen here – or watch the full match here.

First Half

Telford started brightly and the game quickly settled into a familiar pattern. Sinclair set up with numbers behind the ball, leaving a lone striker up top and inviting Telford to break them down. Whenever they regained possession, they looked to counter quickly or launch long balls forward, but Telford’s organised back line dealt comfortably with everything thrown at them.

As in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, the majority of the play was confined to Sinclair’s half — and for long spells, deep inside their defensive third. Telford were patient, probing and persistent, but found chances hard to convert.

Josh fired narrowly over and delivered a series of dangerous corners into the box. Bayley forced a sharp save from a tight angle, while Preston was lively down the right, weaving past defenders and forcing the keeper into a strong stop at his near post. Jacob showed great footwork in the area, twisting and turning before unleashing a shot destined for the top corner, only to be denied by an outstanding save.

Further efforts came from Fin, Harv and Ethan, all testing the keeper, while Zami saw a well-struck free kick tipped just over the bar. Despite the pressure, Sinclair remained stubborn, slowing the game wherever possible and throwing bodies in the way.

Just as it looked like the half would end goalless, Telford finally found the breakthrough — and somewhat ironically, it came from a rare Sinclair venture forward. Regaining possession deep in their own half, Brad and Will combined before Brad fed Evan on the right. A quick forward pass released Bayley, who had drifted wide, and he did the rest — knocking the ball past the defender, bursting into the area, and finishing calmly across the keeper. Telford 1 - 0 Sinclair

Half Time: Telford 1 - 0 Sinclair

The message at the break was clear: Sinclair would now have to open up, spaces would appear, and quick, decisive football would create further opportunities.

Second Half

In recent weeks, Telford have improved their starts to the second half — and once again they delivered, effectively putting the game to bed within the opening ten minutes.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jacob’s persistence won a corner on the right. Ethan delivered, and Bayley rose highest in the centre to power a header home for his second of the match.

Telford 2 - 0 Sinclair

Moments later, Telford struck again. A free kick right on the edge of the area presented an opportunity, and Zami stepped up with confidence. In typical fashion, he struck through the ball cleanly, sending it past the wall and leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

Telford 3 - 0 Sinclair

With the game effectively settled, Telford were able to control proceedings. Despite now needing to chase the game, Sinclair struggled to impose themselves, and for long periods of the second half were unable to gain meaningful possession.

Telford continued to press and create chances, and it was a reflection of their dominance that almost every outfield player found themselves involved in attacking opportunities at some stage. Xavi dropped deep to link play and dictate the tempo, while attacks flowed down both flanks and through the middle. Archie thought he had added a fourth, only to be denied by a tight offside call.

Although no further goals came, it was not for lack of effort. Sinclair’s goalkeeper and some determined last-ditch defending kept the scoreline from becoming more emphatic.

Full Time – Telford 3 - 0 Sinclair

Man of the Match: Brad
A commanding performance at the heart of the defence. Despite Sinclair’s limited attacking opportunities, concentration was key throughout, and Brad led the line superbly — organising, winning everything that came his way and he has even created his own mantra... “no bounce”.

A professional and controlled performance from Telford, showing patience, discipline and quality to break down a well-organised and defensive opponent.

With another important three points secured, attention now turns to next week’s fixture against Shifnal Blacks — a match that could have a huge say in the destination of the league title.