After last week’s postponement, AFC Telford Women were in action for the first time in 2025 as they welcomed Rugby Town to TCAT.

The visitors were one of two teams to date that had taken points off the Bucks in the league, a 0-0 draw coming in November so they knew they were in for a tricky contest.

The first half was a low quality affair with both sides looking to create an opening but falling at the last hurdle. The Bucks were thankful to Mia Bansal for a couple of smart saves and quick reactions off her line. At the other end they were unable to muster up any chances that truly troubled the Rugby keeper.

HALF TIME | AFC Telford 0 Rugby Town 0

The second half was just 4 minutes old when the Bucks were the first on the scoresheet and it was the prolific Charlotte Budd with her 18th goal of the campaign.

Jem Smith won the ball following the breakdown of a Rugby attack, playing a ball for Budd to run onto from her own half. Her pace took her away from the two covering defenders before finishing through the legs of the visiting keeper.

Just a minute later and the lead was doubled. It was Jem Smith once again breaking up the play in the heart of the midfield before feeding Abi Beady who played a through ball to Budd. At the third bite of the cherry she converted for her second of the game.

With just over 10 minutes to play, clever thinking from Hannah Clarke led to a quickly taken free kick. Striker Beady anticipated the ball to sneak in ahead of the keeper to head home and secure the 3 points for the Bucks.

A much improved second half was complete in the final minute of the game as Budd grabbed her hat trick and her 20th of the season. Composed play from Bansal in goal found Kaitlyn Richard’s in midfield. Her lofted pass found Budd in space who seized upon the opportunity to finish under the keeper.

FULL TIME | AFC Telford 4 Rugby Town 0