Match Report | Shrewsbury Town under-18s 3-0 Bradford City

Shrewsbury Town under-18s got back to winning ways after their last-minute disappointment against Crewe in midweek with an impressive 3-0 victory against Bradford.

After a hard-fought battle in the first half, the Shrews were able to take a lead early in the second half and two late goals rounded off a deserved victory.

Early chances were few and far between, but Hugo Aiston missed the first clear-cut opportunity after some clever combination play from Jay Snook and U16 Alfie Rose.

Bradford's best chance came midway through the first half with Tom Hill making an important save when the Bradford midfielder was played through 1v1.

After a goalless first half, it didn’t take long to break the deadlock. A quick switch of play saw Aiston slide Fallon in behind the full-back, where he cleverly cut the ball back to Aiston, who steadied himself before reversing a finish through the legs of the defender inside the near post.

Shrewsbury were playing with confidence and went close to extending their lead on a number of occasions.

Bradford didn’t give up, however, and with the score at 1-0 they remained hopeful of an equaliser. The opportunity came as the clock reached 75mins; a clever through ball opened up the shrews defence, but once again Tom Hill came out quickly to deny the Bantams an equaliser.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Shrewsbury sealed all 3 points. Aiston once again the goalscorer after Snook sent Edwards away down the left-hand side; he found Aiston on the edge of the box, who did well to bring the ball under control before volleying past the Bradford keeper.

Aiston then turned provider, following a quick counter-attack which saw him start with the ball on the edge of his own box, running the ball the length of the pitch after Bradford had committed bodies forward, squaring the ball for Snook to tap home.

A well-earned victory and clean sheet which they will take into the U17 PDL Cup group fixture away at Sheffield United tomorrow afternoon.