Title dream now over for Shawbury United

That victory, in Lye's final game of the season, ensures they can no longer be caught by third-placed Shawbury for the one promotion slot, or second-placed Pegasus Juniors.

Shawbury boss Dave Richards said: "It is obviously disappointing but it was a long shot after we drew 2-2 with Wolverhampton Sporting Community three weeks ago.

"If Lye won all their games we knew they would win the league.

"We had a great chance with seven or eight games to go though and never took that chance."

Meanwhile, Shawbury have vowed to show no mercy to Shropshire derby rivals Shifnal Town when they make the trip to Phoenix Park tomorrow.

The fixture had to be called off on Easter Monday as Town could only raise nine players and they have played a man short for the last two games.

Richards added: "They are having a few problems, but we can't allow ourselves to feel sorry for them. We need to do a job.

"We have had a good season but we need to make sure we finish our campaign in the right way."

Shifnal's interim boss Antone Joseph admits his team will simply be aiming to get over the finish line safely, ahead of a busy summer of rebuilding.

The team has struggled to field a side in their four games since former manager Richard Gardner and his assistant Richard Allen resigned early last month.

Joseph claimed a number of players had chosen not to play following their departure and is realistic about the bigger picture.

He said: "I can't do anything but praise the players that have played.

"They have been first class and they deserve a massive pat on the back.

"It's going to be a really tough game and, providing we put on a good show, that is all I can expect.

"We have struggled. There have been times when we have played with only 10 men.

"I am hopeful we will be able to field 11 tomorrow. Let's just hope we don't get relegated and then we can rebuild in the summer."

Town's chances of being relegated are currently minimal but there remains a slight risk, league secretary Neil Juggins confirmed.

Under normal circumstances, only two teams would be relegated from the Premier Division.

But that number will depend on how many teams are promoted out of and into the league at the end of the season.

Shifnal are currently fourth from bottom with, one game to play, but could be dragged a place lower if they lose tomorrow.

Willenhall Town, who are one place and five points below them, may win both of their remaining fixtures.

Meanwhile Josh Brown was Ellesmere Rangers' derby hero as his late winner earned them a 4-3 triumph at Wellington Amateurs last night.

Brown struck three minutes from the end of normal time to settle a see-saw battle which saw the hosts battle back from 3-0 down early in the second half.

Matt Ryan's opener and a Marco Adaggio goal had put Ellesmere in the ascendancy and Ryan added to his tally after the break.

But Ryan Guryn's brace and a Jamie King goal had restored parity before Brown pounced on a defensive mix-up to settle matters.

Rangers director of football Alan Davis admitted his side had been far from immaculate on the day but added: "We played well in patches and I think we just edged the game on chances."

Ams joint boss John Psaras, whose side were missing centre-backs Tom Lappin and Jack Wilson, was pleased with his side's overall display but not the goals they let in.

"Three of the goals we conceded were worse than schoolboy defending," he said.

Meanwhile, Ellesmere Rangers compete in their 11th game in exactly three weeks at home to Bustleholme tomorrow.