Evans' Side Maintain Perfect League Record
SUBS: S. Brown, Minshall, J. Brown, Winton.: Cleveley, Francis, Broome, Arrowsmith, R. Owen, Hicks, P. Owen (C), Bradshaw, Sewell, Prior, Turner. SHREWSBURY TOWN LINE-UP
"It wasn't our greatest performance but I'm pleased we came through it with a win and three important points.
"Overall I was disappointed with our performce. We never really got control of the game and gave Newcastle too much respect at times.
"Fair play to them as they came at us and marked us out of the game, especially Nat Turner who was well marked by at least two players all game.
"The goals we conceded were poor on our part, we know collectively that we can do better and I have every confidence we will do.
"However, the goals we scored were very good. It was great to see Tash (Broome) get another couple of goals taking her into doublee figures.
"She is a very important player to the team and it's phenominal to have a centre back on double figures with half the season remaining.
"We now go into the next game away at Whitchurch knowing it will be a tough game, a local derby for both teams.
"Then we face Stone at home the following week. So for us it is a big two weeks in the season." Manager Sean Evans, who was relieved to pick up the three points, said:
Town now travel to local rivals Whitchurch in the league looking to maintain their 100 per cent record.
The full time whistle blew, it wasn't a great performance from Town but they will be pleased to pick up 3 big points in their quest for promotion.
With tails up, Town's Charlotte Sewell got in on the act with a good finish from an excellent Caitlin Arrowsmith cross to make it 5-2 to Shrewsbury and complete the scoring.
With 14 minuts remaining, Town midfielder Daisy Bradshaw slotted home to give Town some breathing space and shatter Newcastle's confidence, a mighty relief for Town.
Town needed to get control back from a resurgent Newcastle.
It was starting to be a nerve-wracking period for the home side after seeing their strong lead clawed back and it was no more than what Newcastle deserved.
Newcastle kicked off the second half in a determined mood. A poor 15-minute spell for Town gave Newcastle a massive opportunity to take something from the game when the got themselves two goals back to make it 3-2 to Town.
At half-time it looked a comfortable score for Town, but the performance was far from it.
Just before half-time, the third goal came through Portuguese striker Tania Prior, the ball falling to her on the edge of the 18-yard box. Prior smashed it past the keeper into the roof of the net.
Town gave themselves a two-goal cushion when Broome got her second of the game with a fantastic free kick from 25 yards looping over the keeper, a fantastic effort taking her season tally to an impressive 12.
It was a case of first chance, first goal for Town. The game was turning scrappy on a very heavy pitch with both teams trying to take control of the game.
In the 20th minute the deadlock was broken, and it came for the ladies in blue and amber. An excellent in swinging corner from Penny Owen was met by the head of Natasha Broome, who bulleted a header into the top corner to give Town a 1-0 lead.
Town were really struggling to get into the game with Newcastle applying alot of pressure on the table toppers. Shortly after a fine save from Town goalkeeper Beth Cleveley kept the game goal less.
It was Newcastle who started the match the stronger, almost taking an early lead. The ball was drilled in from the right hand side, luckily for Town it hit the post and came out where the danger was cleared.
Aimee Cox missed the match after a niggling ankle problem flared up, meaning an unfortunate spell on the sidelines for Aimee.
Town welcomed top scorer Natalie Turner back into the starting line-up, while there was also a return for Rose Owen.
Town, who are three points clear at the top of their league table having won all 12 fixtures, approached the game after beating Wyrley in the league cup while Newcastle suffered a heavy defeat at home to Brereton.
Shrewsbury Town Ladies maintined their perfect league record with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle Town at London Road on Sunday.