Ellis hits six in Shawbury romp

Stuart Ellis grabbed a double hat-trick last night, following on from his weekend treble against Malvern, while Steve O'Reilly, Adam Groom, Jake Jones and Robbie Millington were all on target in the romp.

Arguably the biggest scare for Shawbury came at half-time when, with the visitors leading 5-1, the floodlights failed.

But they were restored to full working order within 20 minutes and Shawbury continued their charge to extend their 100 per cent league record to four games, during which they have scored 22 goals.

"They actually had the better of the game for the first 15 minutes," admitted boss Dave Richards.

"But once Steve got the first goal they fell to bits and we looked like scoring every time we went forward."

Ellis has now grabbed 11 goals in four games since electing to commit himself to Shawbury from Market Drayton, where he has also signed forms, over the summer.

"Defenders are finding it really hard to deal with him," added Richards.

While Shawbury are soaring, Ellesmere's Midland Alliance problems are stacking up after they suffered their fifth successive league defeat at Tipton.

The much-changed north Shropshire side are struggling to make an impression after a huge player turnover during the summer after the departure of long-term boss Matt Burton.

The going has been tough for new joint-bosses Richard Brown and Richard Gardner, and it got no easier last night.

Ellesmere made the worst possible start as they fell two goals down inside 16 minutes, Jamie Clews and Adam Wattley both on target.

Goalkeeper Dave Maguire made some important saves to prevent further damage in the opening period before Ellesmere rallied.

Connor Courtney and Dale Williams both went close but late strikes from Karl Edwards and Matt Martin left Ellesmere rooted to the foot of the table.