Market Drayton Town failed to repeat their Shropshire Senior Cup heroics of two years ago when they suffered a 5-0 friendly loss at home to AFC Telford.
Two years ago Drayton beat the Bucks to reach the final of the premier county competition but there was to be no repeat of those heroics this time around.
Drayton, preparing for a first ever season in the Uni-Bond League, were outplayed by Telford, and they were not helped by a number of key absentees. Tom Ward, Martyn Davies, James Carvey, Gary Anslow and new signings Dave Andrewartha and Jamie Haynes were all missing for the hosts.
All six could expect to play some part in the squad when the season begins next month.
Yet boss Simon Line was pleased for the chance to give others a run-out, and they were certainly stretched to the limit as Telford knocked the ball about with confidence and style.
It took just six minutes for the Bucks to open the scoring, when Paul McMullen’s attempted clearance off across from the lively Danny Edwards rebounded in off the luckless Daniel Griffiths for an own goal.
Quality delivery from Edwards also led to the second as his 23rd minute freekick was brilliantly volleyed in by Phil Trainer.
The third came just before half-time as Steve Jagielka – another to shine for Rob Smith’s men – curled in a corner from the right that was blasted in by Carl Rodgers via a deflection off a defender on the line.
But for a fine save from keeper Andy Pryce to deny Lee Vaughan, the advantage at the interval could have been even greater. Drayton came into it more in the second half after pushing defender Paul Bowyer up front giving them more physical presence, but they still could not create any decent openings.
And Telford always looked the more threatening, adding a fourth on 64 minutes when substitute Liam Blakeman picked out Jagielka with a glorious pass, and the midfielder
crossed for Danny Carey- Bertram to finish.
It was to prove Blakeman’s last contribution as he was soon forced off with a deep gash in his leg after a rash challenge from Stuart Ellis.
It was a late tackle that might have earned swift punishment in a normal league fixture, but it did not throw the Bucks off their stride.
They duly added a fifth 13 minutes from time when Carey-Bertram turned provider allowing Jagielka a tap-in for a deserved goal of his own.
Drayton came close at the death, Edwards heading off the line before Paul McMullen blasted over.
