Shrewsbury Ladies suffered their first defeat of pre-season after narrowly losing out to Wolves at Greenfields Sports Ground.
Nearly 200 were in attendance at Market Drayton FC on Thursday night, and weren’t disappointed with plenty of action in an entertaining game.
But it was Shrewsbury who made the breakthrough on the half hour as Katie Doster continued her fine preseason form for her new club, driving into the box before firing past Wolves ‘keeper Sophie Glenny.
Wolves looked to respond and had chances through Rachel Howard and Leanne Robinson, and their pressure paid off on 39 minutes when Andrea Whetton crossed for Robinson to head home.
Half Time: 1-1
Town regained their lead just before the hour, when Doster controlled a ball over the Wolves defence before rounding the onrushing Glenny to score her second of the game.
The lead lasted less than a minute as Wolves replied in quick fashion through Howard, and the winner came on 75 minutes as Wolves seized control in emphatic fashion.
Haynes cut inside from a run down the wing and hit a long distance shot, which looped over Cleveley to give her side the lead for the first time in the game.
Town pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t beat Glenny for a third time, but an impressive display meant there was plenty of positives to take forward.
Ladies boss Alex Owens said after the game: “I’m extremely pleased with what the players showed, we battled throughout and came away with a positive performance.
“We knew we'd be under heavy pressure and we coped well. Holly Nicholson lead the back line extremely well and Beth Cleveley pulled off some outstanding saves in goal, one of the best games of her career.
“I think our counter attacks proved to work well with the pace we have. Katie Doster was outstanding, and to be so composed on the two finishes was very pleasing to see.
“This is only the third game of the season, so to get a performance like this shows the talent we have as individuals and as a team.”