Shirebrook Bounce Back At Winterton

[FF News]

Shirebrook Town dipped in to the transfer market to strengthen their ranks after the disappointing defeat to neighbours AFC Mansfield.

Striker Leigh Hutchinson, from Retford United, and Connor Smythe, from Worksop Town, were brought in for the NCEL Division One run-in, which began with an away trip to Winterton Rangers.

Winterton, positioned towards the foot of the table, made a bright start to the match but lacked the cutting edge that their league standing might suggest after being gifted some early chances.

And Shirebrook would make them pay in the eighth minute when Jamie York broke the deadlock, using the run of Liam Morris as a decoy, to make room for the shot that hit the post on its way in.

With the midfield very congested, space was difficult to come by through the middle, which saw both teams look out wide. Winterton pushed forward, leaving gaps at the back for Shirebook to exploit.

The game was still in the balance as half-time approached and not without controversary. The assistant referee's use of the flag left the away support scratching their heads in disbelief.

Smythe showed technique and strength on his debut as the visitors began to take control of the game after the interval. Lewis Chambers continued to link-up play but centre-half Gareth Campion was forced off with an injury.

Shirebrook's second came when Matt Plant rose and sent a powerful header in from the corner to ease any lingering fears Shierbrook may have had of Winterton staging an unlikely late comeback.

And the three points were sealed with a third goal for Shirebrook a minute from the 90 when Morris met Will Dennis' cross to take his tally to 14 for the season.

Chambers received a warm round of applause from the visiting support after a man of the match performance that sets Shirebrook up for Saturday's trip to eighth-placed Louth, who lost away at Clipstone last time out.

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