Shifnal 3 1874 1 Match Report

Match Report – Shifnal 3-1 1874

Andre Landell scored twice for the hosts to complete the turnaround on 1874 after James Simms scored his seventh in as many appearances to deservedly give ‘74 the lead. ‘74 travelled to Shropshire to face Fourth placed Shifnal Town, buoyed by an positive packed performance at runaway league leaders Bootle on Tuesday; albeit one we left without any points in. The management team wanted a fast start from 1874, and they got it. Fast and fluid attacking football put Shifnals defence on the back foot and sustained pressure was building. Tom Mitchell blasted a stinging effort into the legs of a defender who denied a certain goal. Evra Yao was next to go close, he drove inside and his shot was deflected into the grateful keepers gloves. Shifnal forced the first meaningful save on a counter attack; Shaq Whittingham curled an effort which Max Beddow had to be at full stretch to tip over. Kenny Mwaliteta was playing with flair, his rabona cross into the box was met by Mike Ibeto who got underneath his header and it went wide. Breakthrough came through the man in form; a neat passing move found James Simms in space. He dropped his right shoulder and cut inside from the left, a low arrowed finish gave Dougie Blight in the hosts goal no chance. 1874 didn’t stop. Kenny Mwaliteta had a shot saved by Blight excellently as we tried to make our dominance count. Ola Ibrahim then had a powerful drive from 30 yards tipped wide by Blight. A second was surely on its way? Unfortunately not. From the resulting corner Shifnal broke down field, Zeli Ismail went over the desperate stab of the leg by Kenny Mwaliteta. Penalty to Shifnal. Up stepped Andre Landell to rattle in a neat finish inside the right side netting. One each. Shifnal were galvanised. Alfie Friars had to head off the line to ensure we didn’t go into the break trailing. The second half begun and Blight was at it again – his reflex pawing save to deny Courtney Duffus a first goal in 1874 colours was the next in a collection on his debut. The game hit a lull. It was a slugfest in midfield. Shifnal took the lead on the 74th minute. Mike Ibeto hurled a long throw into their box. They battered clear and the flight took Noel Brindle by surprise. They managed to get a 3 on 1 advantage, Chay Tilt produced an outstanding outside the foot cross over to the back post which picked out Andre Landell who thumped a volley over Beddow. The game was put beyond any doubt as Alamu-Tajudeen was left unmarked to head into the net. The final whistle sounded another loss for ‘74. We remain in 20th place with 21st place Congleton Town visiting Townfield on Tuesday night. A huge game in the early context of the season, the lads will need all the supporters behind them on Tuesday – loud and proud.