'Absolutely delighted' - Sean McAllister hails title-winning Shrewsbury Town stars

Boss Sean McAllister lauded his superb young Shrewsbury Town side after they clinched the league title with a five-star performance.

Salop’s under-18s were crowned EFL Youth Alliance League North West Division champions with a game to spare, thanks to a crushing victory over Salford City on Tuesday.

The hosts raced into a three-goal lead inside half an hour, with strikes from skipper Jay Snook, Jeval Thompson-McKenzie and Haydn Lewis.

Reuben Falding headed home a fourth shortly after the break before Fin Tait added a late fifth to complete the rout, with the scoreline barely reflecting Town’s dominance.

Lead Professional Development Phase coach McAllister was delighted with the display.

He said: “I’m obviously delighted. One with the performance, I thought they were absolutely excellent.

“Salford have come pretty much full strength, a couple of under-19s playing, and we've absolutely dominated from start to finish.

“We defended our goal tremendously, protected our box, I can't remember the keeper having to make too many saves.

“Then the threat we possessed, whether it be in our build or on counter-attacks, it was a really top performance from the lads.

“Five goals, five different goal scorers. There's been a bit of talk about the amount of goals we've scored this year, but there is goals throughout the team and that was evident again.

“I am absolutely delighted, a lot of work has gone into it.

“I said to the lads in the changing room, it's one thing winning cups, but to win a league, the consistency and the relentlessness you need throughout a year. Full credit to the lads, they've been at it.”

The convincing win over Salford marked an eighth consecutive victory, with the side scoring 13 goals in their last three matches as they romped to the title in style.

Supporters, family and friends watched on as the under-18s lifted the trophy at the Croud Meadow, presented by club chairman Roland Wycherley.

The group has enjoyed sustained success in recent years, winning the league at under-16 level, and the PDL Cup last season at under-17 level.

“A lot of them were missing at the start of the year and the first-years who've had to step in, the under-16s having to step up,” said McAllister.

“I had a look at our win against Bradford earlier in the year and if you look at that team now, the amount of players we've had to call upon - they've really stepped up to the plate.

“Those mean just as much as these ones.”