Shaun Humphries wins it for Shawbury United with first of season

A timely first goal of the season from midfielder Shaun Humphries proved the difference, with the match also serving as a League Cup tie.

Shawbury were up and running early on through Lester Alderson, who headed home Steve Faux's cross before Dudley battled back to equalise.

Alderson charged down a pass back, with the goalkeeper's attempted clearance rebounding off the attacker and into the net to make it 2-1, before the visitors restored parity before half-time.

Humphries picked up the ball on the right wing with 20 minutes to go and took the ball on the inside to rifle home the winner, leaving Shawbury five points off the top with a game in hand.

Their remaining two matches will decide their fate, with manager Dave Richards saying: "We would have taken the position we are in at the start of the season. I was wary of playing the game as a double header, no disrespect to them but they have nothing else to play for apart from the cup.

"They put up a fight, so we had to dig in and get the result. Shaun's popped up with the winner, which was good for him as he's struggled with injuries."

Wellington Amateurs couldn't put a dent in league leaders Lye Town's momentum, but put up a fight before going down 2-0 away from home.

Joint-boss John Psaras was pleased with his side's display.

He said: "We matched them for most of the first half and were still putting balls into their box after that, but the second goal with 10 minutes to go was a sucker punch."

Ellesmere Rangers showed their stamina with a sixth win in eight games from a gruelling run of seven matches in 14 days.

The Meresiders romped to a 3-0 home win over Wellington with goals from Scott Ryan, Marco Adaggio and Andy Easthope.