SHAWBURY United boss Dave Richards praised his young side’s mettle despite seeing them hit for six by Bilston Town Community.

United, in 16th, are just five points above the West Midlands Premier Division drop zone after the 6-2 defeat and in danger of back-to-back relegations.

However, Richards is determined to bring youth through this season to build a bright future at Shawbury – whose goals both came via Ben Salter, one from the penalty spot.

Four 16-year-olds – Jake Padmore, Callum Robinson, Liam Bullock and Zac Marshall – made their debuts against Bilston.

The manager said: “We had a very youthful side out – nine 16-year-olds in a squad of 14 – and for some of them it was their first time playing against grown men.

“Bilston are a big, strong, powerful outfit but it you take away the scoreline, I thought the lads did really well and it was a really positive day.

“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted and we need to look to win four or five of our remaining games but we have to play teams below us – and we need to win that league in and around us.”