20 October 2020 @chaguejones
AFC Bridgnorth suffered a 5-1 defeat against Shawbury United in the West Midland Regional League.
Reiss Corfield and Josef Pratt were both at the double and Reece Taylor had his first for the hosts by the full-time whistle as the game petered out in the first-half with the deadlock yet to be broken.
Tom Grainger managed to pull a goal back to make it 2-1 but Shawbury dispatched their quick-fire chances to open the Meadowmen’s floodgates and end the night with 5.
The first half started as an even contest with Bridgnorth looking the stronger of the two sides. Link up play between Kevin Buxton and Tom Grainger almost resulted in the opener and Josh Garrington came frustratingly close at the far post moments later.
The end of the second half saw Shawbury have a turn of luck with possession and were able to thread a few neat passes through the Bridgnorth defence but Chris Field, the replacement keeper for Chris Crook, was having a quiet day at the office.
The second half started with both sides coming out of the blocks and aiming to cause an early upset and break the deadlock. 15 minutes into the half, captain Jase Pike saw red for a challenge on Josef Pratt, who then stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and smashed home past Field in the Meadowmen goal.
Just three minutes later, Shawbury made sure they took advantage of the extra man and were pressing for their second, which came through forward Reiss Corfield, his seventh of the season so far.
Bridgnorth made Shawbury’s high press take a step back after Tom Grainger slotted home for his first league goal of the season. However, the host’s two goal lead was restored moments later, with Reece Taylor opening his account for the club.
Corfield was not anywhere near done, he grabbed his second on the night and eighth of the season when he rounded Field and slotted home to give Shawbury four and to cap off the night, Pratt doubled his tally with five minutes to go.
A whirlwind of emotions that Shawbury have the last laugh in. Taking thorough advantage of the extra man. The win grants Shawbury a joint top spot with Shifnal Town in the league table. A night to forget for the Meadowmen who were left to rue a hugely disappointing night at the Ludlow Stadium.