Church Stretton go third after draw at Shifnal United (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Church Stretton go third after draw at Shifnal United

2:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Sport

CHURCH Stretton picked up a point from a goalless draw at Shifnal United and are third in the Mercian League Premier Division.

Stretton’s joint-manager Joe Leask said he was satisfied with a point and added that both goalkeepers were on top form. “It’s the first time this season that Shifnal have had their full squad available,” said Leask, a former Shifnal player.

“We have got to be pleased with the start of the season. We had a chance to nick it but it would have been unfair on Shifnal.”

Bishop’s Castle player-manager Andy Green hailed George Mellor who hit the leveller in the 1-1 home draw with Rock Rovers in Division One.

Green was delighted with the display from goalkeeper Joe McKay who was the man-of-the- match.

“It’s the best start that Castle have made to a season for years,” said Green, whose side are fifth in the division.

“Usually, Castle lose their first five games and then pick up just before Christmas or just after. I am pleased with the start.”

Clee Hill boss Wayne Whitbread rued missed chances in his side’s 4-0 defeat at Morda United Reserves.

“We missed chances in the first-half when we should have scored,” said Whitbread.

“We cut them open time and time again in the first-half. We could have been 6-2 up at half-time. “We were 2-0 down at half-time against the run of play.

“The second goal on the stroke of the interval killed us.

“They played their first-team’s back four and we went long in the second-half and it played into their hands.”

Woofferton fought back from 2-0 down to claim a 3-2 home win over Orleton Colts in the HFA Burghill Cup first round.

Simon Bradley’s free-kick reduced arrears and then Josh Partridge levelled after being put through by James Robertson.

Walt Bradley bagged the winner after ghosting past two defenders and then sliding the ball beyond the Orleton keeper.

Chris Shurmer’s Leintwardine Colts put up a brave display but suffered a first-round exit, losing 1-0 at home against Mercia Athletic Colts.

Reigning-champions Newcastle suffered a 4-0 defeat at Builth Wells Reserves in Mid Wales League South.

Newcastle’s Scott Oxford went close with a header and leading-scorer Carl Price was a handful for the home defence.

Richard Williams worked hard in central midfield and Phil Williams put in a fine display.

Elsewhere, Bucknell lost 3-0 at home to league leaders Rhayader Town Reserves and captain Chris Yarwood gave away a penalty for handball and then scored an own-goal.