by Peter Westwood
Shrewsbury Town Women 2 (Doster 30, 59)
Wolves Women 3 (Robinson 39, Howard 60, Haynes 75)
Wolves Women continued their pre-season build up in an entertaining game against Shrewsbury Town Women under floodlights at Market Drayton FC in front of a crowd of almost 200 on Thursday night.
Wolves had the first real chance of the game in the 14th minute after a long range shot from Charlotte Criddle was spilled by the keeper but it was cleared away.
It was a good even game with chances for both sides, with Billie Haynes coming closest for Wolves with a close range shot which was saved by the keeper.
It was Shrewsbury who made the breakthrough in the 30th minute after a ball over the top found Doster who ran into the box and shot past Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal.
Wolves looked to respond and had several chances with Rachael Howard and Leanne Robinson both coming close.
Finally the pressure paid off in the 39th minute as Andrea Whetton ran down the wing and crossed for Robinson to head home.
The second half saw Manager Tim Dudding make three changes as he took the opportunity to try out some of the younger players.
Wolves were doing well with a volley from Courtney Jones saved by the keeper, but Shrewsbury moved ahead again in the 59th minute after a ball over the top found Doster, who took it round an onrushing Glenny and scored into an open net.
Wolves responded straight away with a second equaliser after a ball into the box was met by Howard, who took it past the defender and scored.
With rolling subs, Dudding rang the changes again and Wolves applied the pressure as Jade Hewitt saw her close range shot well saved by the keeper.
Wolves’ determination showed in the 75th minute after a run from the wing by Haynes into the middle. She found space and hit a long distance shot which looped over the keeper and into the net to put Wolves ahead for the first time.
Wolves were now showing their fitness, with Aimee Taylor hitting the cross bar from a long range shot and Howard sending a shot wide.
Shrewsbury nearly equalised late on after the ball was played through but the chip couldn’t beat Glenny and Wolves ran out 3-2 winnners.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was a performance in which we learnt a lot and I am happy to eventually come away with a win.
“We had to dig deep at times but this was a lesson-filled game and there was lots to take away from it.
“I think that everyone who came on, particularly the Under 18s graduates did a fantastic job. Games like today are the perfect opportunity for them and it’s really positive to see.”
Wolves Team: Glenny, Anslow, Jones, Butler (C), Bate (L Jones) , Criddle (Haynes) , Bavington (Bate), Whetton (Haynes), Howard, Haynes (Taylor) , Robinson (Hewitt)
* Wolves Women’s next game is today (Sunday 13th August) against Birmingham and West Midlands Ladies. The game will be played at Hednesford Town FC with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is free.
PICTURE COURTESY SIMON FAULKNER
