Shawbury United 1 Bromyard Town 0

BROMYARD'S long trip to Shawbury brought little cheer with the home side grabbing all three points in this very competitive West Midlands League Premier Division clash through a highly controversial goal.

The visitors settled quickly and played some attractive football, but Shawbury always looked dangerous on the break and took the lead with a decisive, but hotly disputed goal mid-way through the half.

Bromyard attacked and lost the ball, a defender clearing with a long, speculative kick to a lone striker who appeared to be well off-side.

The linesman flagged and the visiting defenders stopped chasing back. Unfortunately the referee did not respond and the striker ran on to slip the ball past the advancing Adrian Hipkins.

The referee refused to consult his linesman and allowed the goal to stand, ignoring vigorous protestations from the Bromyard players and officials.

This lifted Shawbury, and although forced to defend, Bromyard kept out their hosts with a strong performance from their back four of Danny Williams, Danny Hilditch, Alex Kilgour and Adie Crowther.

Although they battled hard after the interval Bromyard could not get back on terms.