STUDLEY TOWN 1 SHIFNAL TOWN 2
Midland Football League, Premier Division
Saturday 3 September 2022
This was an excellent result for Shifnal against a dogged Studley side. The visitors lost centre back Sam Griffiths after 34 minutes through injury, and without a like-for-like replacement on the bench, they were forced into defensive changes which often left them looking vulnerable at the back. Shifnal started well and in the 1st minute, Luke Walsh beat a defender on the left, only to see his low shot diverted for a corner off a defender’s outstretched foot. Then on 5 minute, Josh Green was close with a 22-yard effort. 2 minutes later, a fortunate rebound let the hosts in, and Brad Birch drove narrowly wide from 20 yards. Studley could have taken the lead after 37 minutes, when Dale Edwards’ free-kick picked out Jack Donnelly unmarked, but his header was way off target. The opening goal came somewhat out of the blue, 2 minutes into first half stoppage time. A neat passing movement ended with TYRONE OFORI beating his man before slotting into the bottom corner of the net from 15 yards.
The second period started quite evenly, but the hosts should have equalised in the 71st minute following a good move down the right. A low cross picked out Dan Carter, but he missed his kick from 6 yards out. 3 minutes later, a long throw from substitute Jake Bloomer found Birch’s head, but it was too close to Sheridan Martinez in the visitors’ goal. Studley were made to pay for the missed chances 2 minutes later, when substitute JEREMY ABBEY picked up the ball 20 yards out, turned inside and drove into the bottom corner. The Shifnal defence was caught napping in the 84th minute when Jack Cresswell’s free-kick found CARTER in the box, and he turned and slotted into the far corner from 15 yards. After this, Studley piled on the pressure, but the closest they came to an equaliser was when Jake Bloomer headed over from a left-wing corner.
STUDLEY: Brendon Bunn, Max Loveridge (Jack Cresswell 69mins), Jake Donnelly, Matt Edwards (Dave McQuaide 83mins), Joe Hawkins, Ben Welsh (Jake Bloomer 62mins), Max Black, Brad Birch, Ashanti Pryce (Dewayne Sewell 73mins), Dan Carter, Dale Edwards.
Sub not used: Ben Birch.
Caution: Carter (63mins).
SHIFNAL: Sheridan Martinez, Josh Green, Jack Kelly, Ashley Brown, Sam Griffiths (Kane Lewis 34mins), Emem Jones, Luke Walsh (Max Chimenes 80mins), Joe Thompson, Tyrone Ofori (Tom Hill 69mins), Keanu Cooper (Jeremy Abbey 64mins) Mikey Nelson (Joe Berks 76mins).
Cautions: Thompson (12mins); Brown (84mins); Berks (90+4mins).
Attendance: 39.
Referee: Jack Rose.
Assistant referees: Simon Gudger.
Sarah Garratt.
Shifnal Star Man: Ashley Brown.
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