AFC Telford promotion 'sensational' - boss Wilkin

Kevin Wilkin was appointed AFC Telford boss in October 2022 after spells with Nuneaton, Wrexham and Brackley

AFC Telford manager Kevin Wilkin described the club's promotion back to National League North as "sensational" after victory over Kettering Town in the Southern League Premier play-off final.

The Bucks fought back twice from a goal down to beat the Poppies 4-2 and clinch a return to the second tier of non-league football following their relegation from the National League two seasons ago.

"It's amazing. It's not really sunk in yet," Wilkin told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"To come to Kettering's patch and do what we've done - so much credit to the players, who've been amazing."

Telford had trailed 1-0 at half-time and 2-1 but got back on level terms through Jordan Piggott after Orrin Pendley had made it 1-1.

Right-back Jahdahn Fridye-Harper then put the visitors in the lead for the first time with 10 minutes to go before substitute Rhys Hilton made certain of promotion.

"We had lots of good moments in the first half, and we knew we needed to stay in the game at half-time," Wilkin said.

"The lads kept us in there, kept believing and doing the right things.

"To get through it like we have is sensational for everybody."

Former West Bromwich Albion youth player Piggott said he was "overwhelmed" with the result and said clinching promotion was a "brilliant moment".

"Once I've gone round him [the Kettering goalkeeper], there's no better feeling than the ball hitting the back of the net," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I've never felt a moment like this. I've been here three years and never won anything in my life."

The result saw the Bucks stretch their unbeaten run to 18 games and erased the disappointment of losing in the play-off final to Leamington a year ago.