Black Country boys proving a big hit at Shawbury

Shawbury play at the SBS Stadium in Ludlow and most Shropshire amateur players are not keen on the lengthy travelling to and from games, claims Richards.

Due to that, the boss has widened his net in the search for committed additions and has found just that in a quintet of signings from Dudley Town.

And he has backed his West Midlands players to help keep Shawbury on the right path at home to Bewdley Town tomorrow, after they were influential in Wednesday’s 4-2 derby comeback win over Shifnal Town.

Striker Ben Salter, on his debut after signing from Dudley, netted the opener against Shifnal before Harry Farnsworth smashed in a hat-trick.

“I’ve had to widen the search for players,” said Richards, whose side are 17th in the West Midlands Premier Division with two wins from six games – considerably fewer than some of their rivals.

“Local lads already at other clubs don’t want to travel to Ludlow. A few Dudley lads expressed their interest to come and play and on first impression they have a different mindset to lads I’ve had before. They never miss a training session travelling to Shrewsbury, they have a great attitude on the pitch.”

Forward Ryan Joinson, centre-half Harvey Pearson, left-back Jack Hickman and forward Connor Stephenson have all caught the eye since joining from league rivals Dudley.

Those players will be looking forward to next Tuesday’s reunion when Dudley visit Ludlow, but Richards insists all focus is on a tough clash with Bewdley.

But he added home soil is where United need to take advantage.

“We need to win games at home especially in midweek where teams are travelling, and that’s what we did against Shifnal,” said Richards.

“We can only build on our latest result. This season is all about galvanising for us and finishing as high as we can.”

Mid-table AFC Bridgnorth are three games unbeaten and travel to bottom side Pershore Town 88, while sixth-placed Haughmond visit Smethwick Rangers, in 10th.

All four Shropshire sides are at home in Division One. Sixth-placed Allscott welcome Wyrley and Newport Town – one position above in fifth – host Team Dudley.

Telford Juniors face Darlaston and Wellington Amateurs tackle Sikh Hunters.