Matty Stenson tied Andy Brown’s all time AFC Telford goalscoring record, but the Bucks had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw with Southport.

The Bucks made a fast start to this one, taking the lead in the 4th minute. Excellent work from Dylan Allen-Hadley saw him turn Southport captain, Tom Moore, inside out before cutting it back to Remi Walker, who fired home from six yards out.

That goal set the tone for a first half in which the visitors rarely threatened. The Bucks went close to adding a second on 21 minutes, as Josh Gracey punched clear a Southport corner to set up a three-on-one for the Bucks. Charlie Williams played in Walker, but his low shot was blocked by the legs of Port keeper Chris Renshaw.

The Bucks went close again seven minutes later, with Renshaw this time turning Matty Stenson’s effort from the right of the box around the post. Some super play from Alex Flecther and Allen-Hadley nearly set up Stenson, but Allen-Hadley’s backheel just failed to find the Bucks’ no.9. 1-0 to the Bucks at half time.

But while Kevin Wilkin’s men had looked comfortable in the first half, the Bucks were rocked back by the Sandgrounders in the opening moments of the second period. Having fired in a few warnings in the early exchanges after the break, Southport levelled on 52 minutes. Sonny Hilton played the ball across to Malakai McKenzie, who hit a good left foot shot high to the right of Gracey. The Bucks’ keeper got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

Five minutes later, Port were ahead. The Bucks failed to clear the ball, and Southport debutant Chris Sze beat Gracey at his near post, firing high into the roof of the net.

But in a dizzying start to the second half, Wilkin’s men found an immediate equaliser after Stenson was hauled down in the box. But while Renshaw saved the Bucks’ no.9’s penalty, the rebound came back to Stenson, who slotted home to make it 2-2 and take his Telford tally to 56 overall – equaling Andy Brown’s all time club record.

Stenson nearly grabbed the out outright six minutes later, but Renshaw did well to stand tall and bat away Matty’s fierce shot from an acute angle. Adan George then wriggled away from a couple of defenders on 72 minutes, but his shot from the edge of the box flew just over.

Either side might have won it from there but neither did, as the game ended 2-2. The Bucks were just about the better side overall, but Southport took their chances when they were on top.