Walsall prove too strong for young Town side
Shrewsbury Town's reserves, already confirmed as winners of their division in the Central League, ended the season with a 2-1 defeat at Walsall on Monday afternoon.
Town fielded a makeshift side featuring three trialists and a number of youngsters while some experience was provided by the welcome sight of winger Mark Wright returning from injury against the club where he started his career.
Town took the lead on the half-hour mark when a poor clearance from Walsall goalkeeper James Belshaw was punished by Sam Molyneux who found the net from the edge of the area.
Belshaw made amends early in the second half by diving full length to keep out a Scott Ryan shot.
Walsall, who included former Shrewsbury loan man Romaine Sawyers in their side, pulled level when a cross was deflected into his own net by Dave Easthope.
And the Saddlers sealed victory when a Sawyers pass released Nicky Featherstone to round goalkeeper Callum Burton to score the winner with 20 minutes left.
Town almost grabbed a late equaliser but midfielder Ryan Woods was denied by a post.
TOWN: Callum Burton, Dave Easthope, Paul Weldon, Ryan Woods, Dominic Smith, Ubaye Luxardo, Mark Wright, David Azin, Scott Ryan, Sam Molyneux, Jack Gwilliams. Subs: Warren Holmes, Jack Richards, Gavin Ward.