Wilkin takes responsibility as Telford slip into the relegation zone

Sunday 11 October 2026 · By Howard Pennington

AFC Telford United have dropped into the Enterprise National League North relegation zone after a 2–1 defeat at Chorley on Saturday. It was Kevin Wilkin’s side’s second league loss in a row, and the manager made it clear he holds himself accountable.

Chorley took the lead on 27 minutes through a 35-yard strike from Adam Blakeman, and Jack Moore added a second with a 25-yard free kick two minutes after half-time. Moult pulled one back for Telford on 71 minutes, and he thought he had equalised late on, but Max Hunt cleared his effort off the line in front of a crowd of 1,067.

Wilkin felt his side deserved more. Speaking to the Shropshire Star, he said: “They were hanging on at the end and couldn’t wait for the whistle.” But he was also honest about the situation: “It’s about winning games and I’m fully aware of that. And it’s my responsibility.”

The injury list made life difficult. Matty Stenson (toe), Matt Curley (elbow), Dylan Mitchell and Jamie Meddows (ankle) were all missing, Jordan Cranston was on the bench despite not being fully fit, and Birmingham City loanee Billy Burrell was ill. Wilkin was left with only four substitutes.

Telford’s previous league game was a 5–0 home defeat by King’s Lynn Town, so the past two results have been a blow. They are 22nd on nine points from 11 games, level on points and goal difference with Radcliffe and Southport, with two wins, three draws and six defeats. Their nine goals are the fewest in the division. Their last five league results read won, won, drawn, lost, lost.

Help has arrived in midfield. Wilkin has signed 18-year-old Isaac England on loan from Shrewsbury Town, although Shrewsbury can recall him after 28 days.

There have been bright spots this season. Telford beat Oxford City on 8 September, which remains Oxford’s last defeat, and that result showed what this squad is capable of. Their FA Cup run ended with a 5–2 extra-time defeat at Worksop Town in a second qualifying round replay on 23 September, after the first game finished 2–2.

Because they are out of the cup, Telford will be in league action this weekend, and the fixture is a big one. They host Darlington on Saturday 17 October in a meeting of two sides in the bottom four. Darlington are a point behind Telford, so a win would give Wilkin’s side breathing space.

After that, Telford host promoted Hebburn Town on Saturday 24 October, before travelling to Hereford on Tuesday 27 October.

Moult remains Telford’s main threat. His goal at Chorley was a reminder of his quality, and he came close to an equaliser before Hunt’s clearance. Wilkin will be hoping that the return of injured players gives Moult more support.

Wilkin will hope to have some of his injured players back for the visit of Darlington. With goals hard to come by, Telford need to find a way to turn performances like Saturday’s into points, and the next home game is the perfect opportunity to start.