Wigan Athletic 2-1 Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury Town made two changes to the team that beat Morecambe by two goals to nil last weekend, which saw goals from captain James Rowland and Lifumpa Mwandwe who ended his goal scoring drought. Dan Walker and Ryan Grosvenor replace Archie Elmore and Rhys Davies respectively. Their opponents Wigan Athletic remain unbeaten in both the Youth Alliance League and the Youth Alliance Cup; managing to score in all their games so far.

 Shrewsbury were on the attack straight from kick off, with the first shot of the game falling to Lifumpa Mwandwe in the first minute, but his shot was saved by Wigan goalkeeper Bobby Jones. But a threatening passage of play had to be intercepted by Dan Walker in the minute that followed to prevent the League leaders from taking the lead.

 Mwandwe’s opposite number Mackenzie O’Neil had Wigan’s first shot at goal but saw his attempt go wide of the right post. Dan Walker was forced to make an interception to prevent the Wigan danger; unfortunately giving away a free kick in the process, after a foul on Mitchell Culshaw. The resulting free kick was headed over the crossbar by the tall figure of Emeka Obi.

 There was a lengthy stoppage in play when Shrewsbury goalkeeper Jack Atkinson clashed with a Wigan player and was unable to carry on. 15-year-old Jaden Bevan replaced Atkinson in goal in the 20th minute; making his debut for Eric Ramsey’s under 18’s, with the youngster being called into action seven minutes later when he made his first important for Shrewsbury to deny their opponents. Jamaine Turner received treatment on the pitch after he suffered a head injury in Wigan’s half; which forced Shrewsbury into yet another substitution. This saw Lewis Redding come on in his place. Ryan Grosvenor found himself in front of the opposition goalkeeper but he shoots just wide of the post. And later found himself on the side lines, as he was also substituted after picking up an injury, with Archie Elmore replacing him.

 Shrewsbury kicked off the second half in search of finding that all-important first goal, as well as preventing Wigan Athletic from continuing their unbeaten run. It only took three minutes for Wigan to have the first attempt of the half, but Culshaw’s shot went straight into the hands of Jaden Bevan. Seven minutes later and it was Shrewsbury who were in front of goal, with Lifumpa Mwandwe’s shot blocked on the way through to goal. Wigan were denied again twice before in the run up to Mwandwe’s chance.

 The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when Kyle Joseph calmly slotted past the young goalkeeper. This goal meant that Wigan have scored in every game they have played since both the League and Cup season started. Joseph extended the home team’s lead shortly afterwards, netting the ball straight down the middle of the goal; his second goal of the game.

 Shrewsbury got themselves on the scoresheet though courtesy of Dan Walker who met the end of Reiss Corfield’s brilliant cross into the box, but there was no time for celebrating as they rushed back to the centre circle to restart the game. Town had three shots at goal towards the end of the 90 minutes but Wigan stood strong and were able to prevent the draw and their winning streak continued.

 Shrewsbury’s next game is away at Doncaster Rovers in the Youth Alliance League Cup where they will be looking to bounce back from defeat.

 Team:

 Jack Atkinson (Jaden Bevan 20), Zac Hartley (Reiss Corfield 61), Dan Walker, James Rowland, Tom Davies, Luke Ward, Jamaine Turner (Lewis Redding 31), Kian Taylor, Ryan Grosvenor (Archie Elmore 38), Jack Leask, Lifumpa Mwandwe (Jacob Bell 73).