Shawbury United complete back-to-back away Easter wins to seal survival - round-up

Shawbury United secured step six survival with back-to-back away victories over a successful Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Boss Matt Boswell, who was appointed at the end of December, has led United to safety in North West Counties First Division South.

Six points on their travels at mid-table Barnton and basement boys Haughmond over Easter followed a victory at Wolverhampton Casuals to make it three successive wins on the road in a timely unbeaten run of four to beat the drop.

In doing so, Shawbury moved a place above Shropshire outfit Market Drayton Town, who are not yet safe with one game remaining and just one place and four points clear - while main rivals Alsager have a game in hand.

Shawbury toasted their well-earned status after experienced attacker Jamie King netted a double at Shrewsbury Sports Village to see off Haughmond in the final league clash of United’s season.

King scored in either half before the hosts’ consolation through Ethan Pickford.

Shawbury hope it is a double success to close the season as they meet AFC Bridgnorth in the TJ Vickers County Cup final on May 9.

Dan Dawson’s Market Drayton must win their final-day clash at home to Foley Meir on Saturday to guarantee survival.

Greenfields success for the Gingerbread Men will take them to an unassailable 30 points while chasers Alsager, in the final relegation spot with an extra game, can only reach 29 playing this weekend and next Tuesday at Haughmond to finish.

Drayton lost a relegation six-pointer in agonising circumstances at Alsager on Saturday as the hosts struck a 93rd-minute winner.

But Town responded well to hold second-placed Eccleshall to a goalless draw on Monday.

Telford Town, in eighth, look set to miss out on a play-off spot.

They still have two games to play and can mathematically catch fifth, but must overturn a goal difference of 27.

Telford lost 3-1 at Cheadle Heath Nomads with Josh McKenzie on target on Saturday and 2-0 at home to New Mills on Monday.

Mid-table Whitchurch Alport were beaten 2-0 by play-off chasing Winsford United at Yockings Park.

The Cheshire visitors netted early and on the hour to ensure Jayson Starkey’s men could not sign off at home with a win.

Saturday’s curtain-closer is at newly-crowned champions Hanley Town, where it will be party time.

Easter brought a mixed bag for Division One mid-table outfit AFC Bridgnorth.

The Meadow Men lost 2-0 at home to Sutton United before seeing off relegation-threatened Wednesfield, with substitute Suar Dedja the goal hero.

Tenth-placed Bridgnorth face a hectic sprint finish to complete their league season with four fixtures next week - on Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - beginning with a trip to Nuneaton Griff, who they then welcome on Thursday.

Ludlow Town, 11th in Hellenic Division One, grabbed a four-point haul over Easter.

They opened with a thrilling 3-2 win over Woodford United, with Torin Hegley, Jack Dwyer and Ramzi Kilicaslan on target.

That was followed with an impressive goalless draws at nearby Bewdley Town, who are set for the play-offs.