Shifnal’s gradual improvement continued at Dudley with a hard-earned draw in a game of three penalties. The visitors were unlucky not to take the lead after 11 minutes, when Todd Brindle’s 30-yard free-kick came back off the upright, with Shane Maydew beaten. Shifnal did open the scoring in the 26th minute, when Ryan Bridgewater bundled Ben Cullen over in the penalty area. CULLEN himself took the spot-kick, giving Maydew no chance. 5 minutes later, the scores were level, when Jeff Agyeman was adjudged to have fouled Todd Ferrier in the box, CONNOR HADLINGTON making no mistake from 12 yards. Shifnal had goalkeeper Jake James to thank for keeping them in the game in the 40th minute with a fine save when Makhan Rai was through on goal.

Jordan Davies caused the visitors all sorts of problems after the break, and 3 minutes into the second half he made a fine run down the left before cutting in, but his final shot from an acute angle was straight at James. A minute later, it looked as if Shifnal must regain the lead, when Ryan Hadley’s corner was met by Brad Smith, but his first-time shot passed the wrong side of the post. The hosts took the lead on 65 minutes following another great run by Davies. His crossfield ball was played back into the middle for OWEN MASSEY to net from close range. Dudley’s lead was short-lived, however, as Todd Ferrier fouled Ben Osei in the penalty area in the 69th minute, CULLEN again converting the spot-kick with aplomb. Shifnal looked the side more likely during the final 20 minutes, but neither side were able to grab a winner.

DUDLEY TOWN:
Shane Maydew, Will Fellows, Lance Titley, Kieran Smith, Ryan Bridgewater, Owen Massey, Jordan Davies, Todd Ferrier, Connor Hadlington, Makhan Rai (Jake Walton 75mins), Ben Slater (James Bland 60mins).

Subs not used: Craig Love; Ansu Lissa; Joel Irvine.

Cautions: Massey (36mins); Slater (53mins); Ferrier (56mins).

SHIFNAL TOWN:

Jake James, Jeff Agyeman (Mike Gwynne 67mins), Ryan Hadley, Zac Vale, Brad Smith, Ben McAuley (Lewis Mackenzie 81mins), Tom Hounsell, Harrison Barrett (Ryan Mountford 81mins), Ben Cullen, Ben Osei, Todd Brindle.

Sub not used: Ryan Bright.

Cautions: Barrett (44mins); Vale (54mins); Bright (54mins) Whilst warming up verbal abuse.

Referee: Alex Shaw (Brierley Hill).

Assistant referees: Lee Sumner (Fordhouses).
Gary Taylor (Wednesfield).

Shifnal Star Man: Jake James.