Craig Hancocks with the ball for Shifnal followed by Martyn Davies and Sean Humphries.

Two goals in the final 23 minutes helped Market Drayton overcome plucky Shifnal Town to book their place in the Shropshire Challenge Cup final.

Shaun Humphries and Nicky Porter struck for the competition favourites to end the resistance of Midland Alliance strugglers Shifnal in the last four tie at Shrewsbury Sports Village last night.

“We had a game plan to frustrate and we did that successfully for just over an hour,” said Shifnal manager Matt Flanagan.

“They had chances but it was a strong defensive performance and we had one or two opportunities at the other end.

“Once they scored, it was always going to be hard for us to get back into it – but I was pleased with the performance.”

Drayton’s first real opening came on 36 minutes when Tom Rogers angled a shot off the far post, while Jamie Fisher cleared an effort off the line moments later with goalkeeper Jay Nash beaten.

Shifnal went close on the stroke of half-time, but Liam Turner’s shot was comfortably saved by Andy Pryce.

The pressure continued from UniBond League division one side Drayton in the second period, although a mixture of stout defending, excellent goalkeeping and poor finishing ensured that Shifnal stayed in the game.

But the deadlock was finally broken by Drayton on 67 minutes when Humphries rifled home from the edge of the penalty area.

Martyn Davies and Stuart Ellis then hit the woodwork and the game was finally put to bed 14 minutes from time when Porter fired a shot into the bottom corner to send the winners of 2004, 2005 and 2006 into another final.

By JAMES GARRISON