Step 5/6 round-up: Shropshire side stay in the hunt for promotion

Two early goals helped them complete the double over their Black Country opponents to stay in touch with the league's leading pack.

Shifnal were awarded a penalty in the second minute when goalkeeper Ethan Hawkes brought down Lewis Jarman, allowing Isaac Phillips to convert.

Kyle Bennett tried his luck from 25 yards but was a yard wide before Town doubled their advantage after 12 minutes when Bennett’s corner from the left was flicked home by Jarman.

They had a good chance to add to the lead on the half-hour mark when Brad Maslen-Jones’ long ball fell to Theo Knight, but he hurried his shot from the edge of the penalty area which was straight at Hawkes.

The hosts looked much more purposeful when they came out for the second half, and Ryan Piggott’s header from Ezekiel Agyemang’s cross in the 50th minute was narrowly wide.

Shifnal were close to extending their lead in the 75th minute when the ball fell to substitute Josh Beamond, but his shot was well saved, as they settled for a 2-0 win.

They sit three points off second-placed Brocton, who lost at the weekend, and are seven points off leaders Lichfield City, but Shifnal hold two games in hand over both teams.

Elsewhere in the league, Whitchurch Alport's trip to OJM Black Country was postponed due to fog and floodlight issues.

In the Midland League Division One, AFC Bridgnorth won 1-0 at Heather St. John's thanks to a goal from Ethan Jarrett.

In the North West Counties League Division One South, Market Drayton Town were battered 9-0 at home to Abbey Hulton United, Shawbury United lost 3-1 at Eccleshall, and Allscott Heath drew 2-2 at Runcorn Town.

In the Hellenic League Division One, Ludlow Town smashed Carterton FC 5-1