Report | Bradford 2-3 Shrewsbury Town Under-18s

Shrewsbury Town Under-18s edged out Bradford in a thrilling 3-2 away win on Saturday. 

Salop started brightly, with Haydn Lewis providing an early chance for Simba Nyamwanza, whose effort went just wide.  

12 minutes later, Nyamwanza made amends, scoring from a rebound after a corner to give Shrewsbury the lead. 

Goalkeeper Dan Stanita was then called into action, making an important one-on-one save to keep his side in front.  

At the other end of the pitch, midfielder Fin Tait helped create several opportunities, but Shrewsbury were unable to extend their lead. 

On the half-hour mark, Bradford equalised with a free kick from outside the box, sending the teams into the break level. 

Bradford started the second half with attacking intent, forcing Stanita into an early save. Soon after, they played a ball over Shrewsbury’s defence and converted to take a 2-1 lead. 

Fortunately, Town’s youngsters responded quickly with Nyamwanza scoring his second of the match, lofting the ball over the keeper for the equaliser.  

Just four minutes later, Jayden Valentine found space in the box and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, putting Shrewsbury ahead. 

The chances kept coming after this momentum shift and Jeval Thompson-McKenzie came close on two occasions, including one effort that struck the crossbar. 

Bradford had a golden chance in the final minutes, but Salop were let off as, despite facing an open net, the hosts struck the post. 

Shrewsbury face Oldham Athletic at home this Saturday, where they will hope to continue their winning form. 

Line-up: Stanita (GK), Chaffatt, Houslton, Valentine, Brooks, Byrne, Thompson-Mckenzie, Tait, Kameni, Lewis, Nyamwanza 

Bench: Donnelly, Wareing