Shrewsbury Town under-18s crowned champions after dominant display

Shrewsbury Town’s superb under-18s have been crowned league champions after a dominant victory over Salford City.

Salop secured the EFL Youth Alliance League North West Division title with a game to spare thanks to a 5-0 win at the Croud Meadow.

Three quick goals inside the opening half-hour put Town’s youngsters firmly in control before the break, with Reuben Falding heading home a fourth early in the second half before Fin Tait added the fifth.

The convincing victory also marked their eighth consecutive win.

There were jubilant scenes at full-time as Town lifted the trophy, edging out Preston North End to the title.

They sealed the championship ahead of their final fixture of the season against Blackpool this weekend, meaning they head into that game with the pressure off.

Haydn Lewis came close early on for Salop following a well-worked team move, but Salford goalkeeper Josh Whitelaw produced a strong save to deny him.

However, the hosts soon took control and made their dominance count with the opening goal. Captain Jay Snook eventually made the breakthrough, converting at the second attempt after his initial effort was blocked.

It was another flowing move that led to the goal, with Snook released down the left before cutting inside and finishing confidently.

Salop doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Jeval Thompson-McKenzie shrugged off pressure, drove into the box and fired home.

Town were in dreamland before the half-hour mark as Haydn Lewis added a third, curling a left-sided corner beyond a crowded area and into the far corner.

There was no let-up after the break. Hugo Aiston continued to pose a threat down the left flank, while Reuben Falding added a fourth shortly after the restart with a well-taken header.

Fin Tait then completed the scoring late on, finishing emphatically after being slipped through by Thompson-McKenzie, his effort crashing in off the underside of the bar.

The hosts cruised to the title in style, and with another impressive performance, they have now scored 13 goals in their last three matches.