Bradford stunned by Shrewton fightback

10:09pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

BRADFORD Town slumped to a 3-2 reverse at home to Shrewton United on Tuesday evening.

The hosts surrendered a two-goal lead to emerge with nothing from the Toolstation League Division One clash.

With Bradford manager Paul Shanley on holiday in Portugal, first team coach Mark Edwards was in charge and his team got off to the perfect start.

Six minutes in Nick Ross capitalised on a defensive error to cross for Matt Minnis, and the striker headed past goalkeeper Charlie Aldridge.

It got better two minutes later as a mis-control fell to Toby Dawson in the area, and he slotted home at the near post to double the advantage.

But Shrewton pulled themselves back to within a goal seconds after the restart.

Dean Foot's shot squirmed under goalkeeper Lewis Porter, and striker Justice Walters made sure as the ball trickled towards the line.

Andrew Hughes' rising drive flew over shortly after before Dawson's free kick was scooped up by Aldridge.

Shrewton took hold of the game mid-way through the half and Walters, Ben Halski and Craig Lewis all had decent opportunities.

Bradford's only other effort of the first period was a lacklustre free kick from Liam Milburn that Aldridge dealt with.

The visitors levelled the game less than 15 seconds after the restart, with sloppy defending from Bradford the main cause.

Lee Weekes was played in far too easily and after his shot was repelled by Porter, winger Halski headed in the rebound.

After Walters flashed wide for the visitors, it was no surprise when a third Shrewton goal came on 52 minutes.

Lewis and Foot both had shots blocked but Halski was on hand to slot into the net for his second of the night.

Bradford never looked like levelling matters, with a weak header from Milburn and a wild free kick from Dave Appleyard all they could muster.

Shrewton were not much better in a dire last half hour, although Walters headed wide and Foot had an effort cleared off the line.

Bradford upped their pace in the final stages but Shrewton kept their hosts at bay to take all three points.

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