Upbeat Shawbury heading to Bewdley

Shawbury United boss Matt Flanagan has told his players to relish tonight's trip to Sport Italia West Midlands League leaders Bewdley.

The north Shropshire side ended a run of four games without a win when they beat Tividale 3-1 at the Butler Sports Ground on Saturday.

And, with confidence restored, their ambitious manager sees no reason why they cannot spring another surprise.

"We've not done badly against the better sides in the league," said Flanagan.

"We've struggled sometimes against the sides in and around us but we beat Wulfrunians and Wellington (who are in the top six).

"Tonight's game is something for us to look forward to. It's a strange league - nobody has run away with it at all and anybody, on their day, can win a game."

Shawbury's win on Saturday was achieved the hard way, with Tividale actually having taken the lead after just five minutes.

Toby Ward got on the end of an Adam Smith throw-in to equalise and Chris Henry captialised on Matt Turl's knockdown to put them ahead on the stroke of half-time.

Henry won a second half spot-kick but then failed to convert from 12 yards.

By then, Tividale had been reduced to 10 men and Shawbury's win was confirmed when substitute Jack Harris scored with his first touch, firing in off a free-kick.

"We played better last Tuesday and got nothing (in a 2-1 defeat at home to Heath Town Rangers)," added Flanagan. "But we're happy to get back to winning ways and it was well deserved."

Ellesmere Rangers climbed to a season's best of fourth in the league thanks to a 1-0 win over Pelsall Villa.

The goal came 10 minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after Kenny Paul, on a trademark dribble, was brought down.

Eddie Hope stepped up to score, though boss Matt Burton admitted: "I didn't see it because I never watch penalties.

"I don't watch them in any game, whether it's England or Manchester United, who I support. It's stupid I know, but I can't change."

Burton was quick to confess that the game was not a classic spectacle for the fans, but said that had a lot to do with the attitude of the visiting teams.

"We're on a good run and teams are coming here and setting their stall out to try and shut us down," he added.

"We've got to be that bit more creative to find a way through."