SHREWSBURY TOWN LADIES 0 - 1 LEEK TOWN LADIES

Leek Town Ladies travelled to play Shrewsbury Town Ladies at the very picturesque Lilleshall National Sports Centre for this West Midlands Regional Women’s League game.
Leek captain Naomi Sale-Hancock had to sit out and watch the game due to Suspension.
The game started at a fast pace with both teams having early chances fired wide of the target. Just a few minutes in and left back Simone Kelsall with a suspected leg injury was replaced by Kay Sheldon. Thankfully Kelsall was fine. 8 minutes in and Jules Kendrick found Lacey-May Smith on the edge of the box who managed to turn and get a shot away which was saved by the Shrewsbury goalkeeper. At the other end a similar shot was saved by Leek Goalkeeper Hannah Austin. Kim Sheldon played the ball out of midfield and found Rehanne Mellor who saw her shot go just wide. A much better chance fell to Mellor on 24 minutes when she ran on to a good ball on the edge of the box and tried to chip over the out rushing keeper but a Shrewsbury defender did just enough to put her off.
Shrewsbury Town forced a corner which resulted in Charlotte Bromley making a goal line clearance. Katie Maya was commanding playing as a centre back due to the absence of the captain and vice captain Kendrick was busy organising and communicating with the Leek players.
As half time approached Leek were making more good attacks and the work rate of Kim Sheldon in midfield was very impressive.
Neither side could find a breakthrough before halftime.

Half time Shrewsbury Town Ladies 0-0 Leek Town Ladies

The second half started as the first ended with both sides going for the win and battling very hard in midfield. Both sets of defenders were having a good game so not so many clear cut chances available for either side. 16 year old Kay Sheldon (younger sister of Kim) in only her second game in adult football was very calm in possession of the ball and was the start of several Leek Attacks. Elise Skelding then set up L Smith and she made a good attempt on goal which the keeper was equal to.
Shrewsbury then almost got through but centre back Emma Smith was on hand to tidy up for Leek.
The decisive moment in the game came on 62 minutes when busy Leek winger Michaela Lockett closed down a Shrewsbury defender to win the ball and showed determination to get the ball to Mellor who worked herself a good shooting opportunity and slotted past the keeper to put Leek in front.
Lockett and Skelding were then replaced by Emily Boon and Alice Painter who both contributed well, using their pace down each flank as an outlet for the Leek attacks.
Laura Baskerville was then introduced to replace L Smith and with good feet and vision provided some great defence splitting passes.
Shrewsbury pressed hard in the later stages for an equaliser and with the last kick of the game Bromley cleared off the line and Leek keeper Austin ending up diving on the ball in the melee which ensured Leek got the 3 points.

Full Time Shrewsbury Town Ladies 0 - 1 Leek Town Ladies.

Leek squad: Hannah Austin, Charlotte Bromley, Katie Maya, Emma Smith, Simone Kelsall, Jules Kendrick, Kim Sheldon, Elise Skelding, Michaela Lockett, Lacey-May Smith, Rehanne Mellor, Kay Sheldon, Alice Painter, Emily Boon, Laura Baskerville, Mollie Shaw.
Player of match Kim Sheldon (pictured).