Shifnal Town strengthened their position in the play-off battle with an incredible defensive performance at Atherton Collieries.
The Black & Whites made a bright start but it was Shifnal who took the lead after seven minutes through veteran Matthew Barnes Homer, who converted unmarked at the far post after a cross bobbled through the six-yard box.
The Stripes regained a foothold, thanks to the experienced Sam Sheridan converting a fine free-kick into the top right corner to restore parity.
Harry Showman & Rodney Ajayi both tested the goalkeeper for further Colls opportunities, whilst Shifnal somehow failed to convert a goalmouth scramble.
The half ended with controversy, as Shifnal’s Niall Flint avoided dismissal following an off-the-ball incident with Chinedu Uche.
Colls manager Michael Clegg made a swathe of changes to solidify control of the game throughout the second half, with Bolton loanee Mark Isong coming closest with a powerful header.
However, Shifnal somewhat inevitably regained the lead against the run of play through a top draw strike from Elliott Durrell, who wrongfooted the otherwise impressive goalkeeper Luke Lomax from range.
Joe Piggott and Uche provided further opportunities as Atherton threw the kitchen sink forward, before Lomax himself wasn’t too far from the mark with a header from a corner.
However, the fantastic defensive performance from the visitors just couldn’t be broken down, and Shifnal left with a hard earned and ultimately deserved three points.
