Shrewsbury Town

Town’s youngsters made the long trip up to Grimsby to take on the Mariners in the semi-final of the Midland Youth Cup.

It was the visitors who had the lion’s share of the play and opportunities in the first half but they failed to convert a number of chances.  Grimsby were proving to be good opposition though and Callum Burton had to be at his best a number of times to pull off some good saves.

Town’s attacking pressure finally paid off shortly after the restart after Josh Ginnelly fired in a shot that took a touch in the box to beat the Grimsby keeper.

Town were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when a Dave Easthope tackle was judge to be worthy of a red card.  The reduction in numbers didn’t seem to dampen Town’s play as Sam Molyneux netted to make it 2-0 to the visitors.

The 10 men continued to push but as the game neared the end it became a little more open and Grimsby pushed to get back into the game.  They grabbed a goal back but with the final whistle fast approaching the Mariners were themselves reduced to 10 men after their keeper upended Kaiman Anderson to hand Town a last minute penalty.  The substitute keeper made an instant impact though saving Sam Molyneux’s spot kick to see the game end 2-1 to Town.

Town will now take on Lincoln City in the final of this year’s Midland Youth Cup.

The youth team are next in action this coming Saturday (16th) when they welcome Bristol Rovers to the Greenhous Meadow in the FA Youth Cup.  Kick-off is 2pm and admission will cost £5, £3 for concessions and £1 for U16s.