Shrewsbury Town striker Omer Riza holds off big Ellesmere Rangers defender Ian Rowlands

A youthful Shrewsbury Town team – supplemented by a quarter of first team squad members – were held to a goalless draw by gritty Ellesmere Rangers at Beech Grove.

Both sides had their chances to break the deadlock as the West Midlands League premier division outfit acquitted themselves well on a wet evening in north Shropshire.

Terry Dunfield and Omer Riza each got 90 minutes under their belts but failed to shine on their chance to catch the eye of watching manager Paul Simpson, while youth graduate Harry Hooman played the full game at the heart of the defence.

Striker Dave Hibbert also had his first run-out of pre-season during the first half following back and foot injuries, and linked up with French trialist striker Gethier Diesatia.

Town could have gone ahead as early as the third minute when a knock down header from Hibbert fell to Riza who should have done better from close range, although Ellesmere’s new signing Andy Mulliner – goalkeeping coach with Town last season – deserved credit for a smart double save.

Diesatia then fired over with a good chance from 15 yards before Ellesmere gained a foothold in the game, the dangerous Danny Barton twice going close.

The former Newtown forward curled a 20-yard shot just over the bar, before heading off target from a cross from Ellesmere trialist Matt Jones.

The second half became increasingly stretched and Diesatia fired into the side-netting after Riza played in the striker.

Dunfield then had a 20-yard effort tipped around the post by Mulliner, but it was Ellesmere who went closest to winning it late on.

Keating forced a good reflex save from Charles Stewart before sub Dan Price fizzed a shot just wide.

By JAMES GARRISON