Shrewsbury Town XI:
Phoebe Carter
Vikki Owen
Grace Layton
Leanne Rimmer
Milly Potter
Abbie McShane
Lily McShane
Paris Schofield
Shannon McShane
Maddie Jones
Zoe Child
Shrewsbury Bench:
Brogan Cook
Anna France
Lottie Etterley
Milly Jay
Jess Williams
This would be the second fixture with Shifnal, previously in the season in an away fixture for Salop, we saw a tough fought game that saw either side battle it out for 90 minutes, but both teams left the game with the points shared.
Second in the league Shifnal, would look to bring their all to Shrewsbury for their second meeting to close down the points lead that Shrewsbury had accumulated putting them at the top of the league table. Shifnal would be looking for a victory over the league leaders to close down the 5-point gap between either side.
Kick-Off
From the outset and throughout this game possession was very 50/50 with interceptions and dispossessions taking place all around the pitch.
Attacking opportunities coming for either side with corners and deep throw-ins for both teams, threatening the defence of either side.
Salop looking strong in their defence not allowing balls to be played through for a Shifnal attacker. Shrewsbury using the speed of Maddie and Zoe upfront looking to find them with long through balls but unfortunately are unable to connect the passes in the first half.
Shannon, Maddie and Zoe having to create opportunities for themselves at times with some quick footwork when they find themselves deep in the final third but surrounded by Shifnal red shirts. When a space was created shots would head towards the visitor’s goal but all saved by the traveling goalkeeper.
The first strong chance would come from the home side when an attack down the right side of the pitch sees Shannon McShane with possession outside the box, with some quick footwork she’s able to make her way into the box before being tripped up and a penalty is given.
Unfortunately though the penalty is not converted as it heads over the bar keeping the shoreline equal.
Shifnal down the other side not too long later would have a chance of their own, after a corner is initially defended by Town a loose ball is struck by a Shifnal player, the shot ending up neatly into the top left corner of the goal, giving the visitors the lead before half-time.
Half Time Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Shifnal Town Ladies
The second half would see no changes from either side to start the half. The game would proceed in similar fashion as the first with either side battling it out for possession and opportunities to attack, but with Shifnal taking a more defensive route to try and hold their lead.
Shifnal momentarily going down to 10 players as their captain is sin-binned for 10 minutes.
Shrewsbury looking like the only side to create any danger in the game this half with and defensive minded Shifnal very much looking to play out the game without risking anything.
Abbie McShane off for Milly Jay
Zoe Child off for Brogan Cook
It wouldn’t last though for the visitors as Shannon McShane would pull out a moment of impressive individual ability to create herself space in the striker position allowing her time to take a chance at goal, the shot would find its way directly into the bottom left corner off the post and in, out of reach from the goalkeeper bringing Salop back into the game.
Shrewsbury now looking like a different team in the final 15 minutes of the game with a new level of momentum to their play, constantly attacking the Shifnal half and looking dangerously close to scoring a second goal.
It wouldn’t come to fruition though as the barrage of attacks from all players in Shrewsbury shirts is halted by the final whistle of the referee. Finalising that the points would be shared for the second meeting with Shifnal.
Full-Time Shrewsbury Town Women 1-1 Shifnal Town Ladies
Goal scorer:
Shannon McShane x1