Depleted side slip into relegation zone

A depleted Newark side battled valiantly against high-flying Shrewsbury, but suffered a 3-1 defeat that saw them drop into the relegation zone.

The game started at a furious pace with chances created at both ends, but it was the hosts who claimed the lead on 11 minutes from a controversial penalty corner.

The Shropshire outfit doubled the lead eight minutes later when the ball accidentally rolled on to a defender’s foot in front of goal and Shrewsbury smashed home the resulting penalty stroke.

Newark, fielding 11 players, of whom three usually play for the 2nds, had the better of the last ten minutes, but couldn’t find a way through Shrewsbury’s defence.

Keeper Sarah Gray was forced into several tremendous saves to keep her side in the game in the second-half.

Shrewsbury scored a decisive third after Newark failed to clear.

The visitors battled hard and were rewarded seven minutes later when skipper Sarah Pask forced a fine save from the keeper and then stroked home the rebound.

Megan Beard and Sarah Cubitt had chances to pull goals back, but Shrewsbury held on to inflict Newark’s third away league defeat of the season.

Coach Paul Halfpenny said: “Although we were defeated today the positives from this game were huge.

“Terri McLeod had a fantastic debut and second team regulars Susan Tate and Sarah Cubitt gave great performances.”

Newark take on Hampton-in-Arden, who have yet to win a game, on Saturday.