Shropshire’s top sides have sent out an ominous warning to the rest of the DTZ Midlands Premier with a string of impressive victories to dominate the top-half of the table.
Promotion-chasing Telford and Bridgnorth now stand third and fourth respectively after wins last weekend - while Shrewsbury are closer to mid-table security in seventh.
The chances of Telford becoming the county’s first National League side increased when they beat second-placed Chesterfield 3-2 at St Georges.
Telford’s goals came via Jon Heath in the first half, with Alex Jonhson sealing the win with two strikes in the second half.
And although Chesterfield rallied to score two goals, Telford spokesman Jon Woodrow said he was impressed with how his side handled the pressure.
“It was a really good result for us and we played very well - Chesterfield have improved a lot after signing their two Australians,” he said.
“They arrived looking very confident and I think they were expecting to turn us over, but we played very well.
“We had Liam Hennessey out with work and Simon Such could only play half the game, so to have them missing and still win is great for us.”
The win sees Telford stay within one point of leaders Olton & West Warwick, with Coventry & North Warwick set to play host this Saturday.
Woodrow said: “Our opening five games have been tough on paper and if we can get twelve points out of these matches, then we have played very well.
“We have played some good teams and although we can’t win the league by Christmas, we can certainly lose it.”
Bridgnorth, meanwhile, are on equal points with Telford after recording an impressive 4-0 win over West Bridgford.
The Shropshire side opened the scoring with two first-half goals from Pete Evans, while Dave Tuckett-Good and Ali Raza wrapped up the points in the second half.
Captain James Childs said he was delighted with how his side had bounced back from the previous week’s loss to Telford.
“That is probably the best we have played all season, especially after what happened against Telford.
“The guys responded very well on a pitch that was very wet and muddy - it was like ice at times and people kept on slipping over.”
Bridgnorth take on Nottingham University at Madeley Court on Saturday (1.30pm), and although they could be expected to record another three points, Childs sounded a note of caution.
He said: “If we can have the same attitude as last week, then there will be no problem, although every game at this level is tough.
“I am sure that our guys will do that as you never quite know what you will get with students and they are a very fit bunch of lads.”
He added: “I don’t think there will be one runaway team this year and it will be down to how you play the top teams on the day.”
Shrewsbury increased their chances of survival with a 3-2 win at bottom-placed Edgbaston.
Their first goal came from Phil Miller in the first half, while captain Jon Davis and Matt Sillence completed the scoring after the break.
Although Edgbaston scored either side of half time, spokesman Bob Furlong said his side showed tremendous effort to keep them at bay: “In previous years we might have lost that game, but we showed we have got a lot of good spirit and hung in for the three points.
“We might lack star players, but we have got really great spirit and the players work for each other.”
Shrewsbury take on Sutton Coldfield at Meole Brace on Saturday (2pm) and Furlong is expecting no favours from a side that beat them a few weeks ago in the EHA Trophy.
Furlong said: “Just because they have only got one point doesn’t mean it will be an easy game, especially as we lost to them earlier in the season.”
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