Shrewsbury Town 5-4 Bradwell Belles
Goals: Durnall (2), Turner, Broome, PriorSUBS: J. Brown, Arenas
: Cleveley, Francis, Broome, Winton, Durnall, Hicks, P. Owen (C), Arrowsmith, Sewell, Prior, Turner SHREWSBURY TOWN TEAM
"I saw them play at Kidsgrove a couple of weeks ago where they won 2-1 and they have dangerous players which we will need to be ready for. We will prepare well this week."
"Brereton will be a tough game. When we played there in October it was a very physical encounter so we know what to expect.
With Town sitting 3 points clear at the top, attentions now turn to next weeks match against Brereton Town.
"Nicola hasnt played 90 minutes for a while but her class shone through. She took her goals superbly well. Over time and with more match fitness we have ourselves a very good player".
The Town boss reserved praise for new signing Nicola Durnall who got herself 2 goals on her debut.
"Jess and Beth have had excellent seasons and have contributed alot to the cause. Both are important players and strong characters who I know will learn from it and come back stronger."
"We conceded some silly goals from our point of view, and it was unfortunate that it came from our players.
"After falling behind twice we could easily have folded, but we battled well, even when it wasnt going right for us, and we came out with a big win.
"The big plus for me out of the game was the strength of character and never say die attitude of the players and I must pay tribute to them.
"They have improved a hell of a lot and really gave it a good go, for me they would be there or there abouts next season.
"We spoke before the game about the potential twists and turns in the season run in, and we were close to being one of them. I must give credit to Rob and his Bradwell team.
"We knew we were in for a battle against a very good team, and in the end we won the game which at this stage of the season is vital.
Ladies Manager Sean Evans was a relieved man following the match. "It was one of those games we would look back on and say what a massive 3 points they were.
Town continue their run in with a home game against Brereton at London Road next Sunday (29/3/15).
The full time whistle blew, and everyone knew they had been in a game, but knew how big a win that could prove to be.
Durnall was played through one on one with the keeper, and with the weight of everyone on her shoulders, she showed superb composure to place the ball into the bottom corner and secure 3 massive points for Town.
It was Durnall's first goal in blue and amber. The referee indicated 3 minutes remaining. And there was to be late late drama.
The clock was ticking down and after great link up play between Durnall and Turner, it was the former who smashed in an equaliser into the top corner to the joy and relief of the Town dugout.
Town now had to show fighting spirit to get themselves back into the game.
And then from a set piece they were behind, a long range effort was smashed over Cleveley to make it 4-3 to the away side.
Defender Jess Hicks was caught out in possession and Bradwell punished Town making it 3-3.
An inswinging corner was met by the head of Broome who rose highest to nod Town in front. Then in a 10 minute spell Town found themselves behind.
Town were sparked into life again and they started to take the game to the away side. Town grabbed the lead through Town number 5 Tash Broome.
10 minutes into the second half Town equalised through Prior who rifled the ball into the bottom corner after a goalmouth scramble.
Evans changed the system from 4-5-1 to a more attacking 3-5-2 in pursuit of the equaliser and potentially a winner.
Half time came and it was very much time to regroup.
It was a moment to forget for keeper Cleveley with the ball squirming through her legs and into the path of the Bradwell striker who finished into an empty net.
The goal seemed to have shocked the home side. Not long after they found themselves behind.
Bradwell got their equaliser when a simple ball over the top was finished well into the bottom corner.
From then on Town should of pressed for the second goal, but if anything the goal stirred Bradwell into fighting back.
And from a set piece Town took the lead. The ball was bouncing in the box and there was Turner to head the ball in off the post, at first it was judged to have not crossed the line but the linesman instructed the referee that it had and Town were 1-0 up.
Town striker Turner was linking up well with midfielder Durnall, carving out an opputunity which the debutant blasted over.
Bradwell started to get into the game and they almost took a lead when a hopeful ball over the top caught the Town defence flat footed, only for keeper Beth Cleveley to make the save.
Shortly after it was Tania Prior's turn on goal, firing over the bar from distance.
Town applied early pressure on the Bradwell goal looking to take an early lead. Chances came for both Penny Owen and Nat Turner.
The pitch was in fine condition owing to the sunshine and dry weather.
A victory for Town would keep them top of the league going into a tough set of fixtures over the next few weeks.
New signing Nicola Durnall made her debut for Town in the centre of midfield in place of Daisy Bradshaw, whilst Caitlin Arrowsmith also returned to the starting line up.
Bradwell arrived in good form following some impressive displays, it promised to be a tough afternoon for Town.
Shrewsbury Town Ladies continued their charge towards promotion with a hard fought 5-4 victory at home to Bradwell Belles on Sunday.