Shrewsbury Town 3 Northwich Victoria 1

Last updated : 26 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Shrewsbury Town brought 2003 to a close with a comfortable 3-1 home win over visiting Northwich Victoria to maintain their Conference promotion push.

The Gay Meadow side lost their Football League in May, but are well in contention to make an immediate return and will fancy their chances of collecting a further three points when they visit Northwich in the return fixture on New Years Day.

Against manager Jimmy Quinn's former club, the home side always controlled a one-sided encounter and after taking a 38th minute lead through Colin Cramb, further goals from substitute Ryan Lowe and skipper Darren Tinson put the outcome beyond any doubt.

Peter Wright pulled one back for Shaun Teale's men in the closing stages, but it was mere consolation on an afternoon when Vics keeper Andy Woods was the busiest player on the field.

On a roan-soaked Gay Meadow pitch, Shrewsbury quickly took charge with Jody Banim, making his home debut, Kevin Street and Cramb all going close to an early breakthrough.

At the other end Shrews goalkeeper Scott Howie needed to be alert to touch over a Richard Norris header, but it came as no surprise when Shrewsbury finally went ahead seven minutes before the break.

Winger Sam Aiston headed the ball back across the goalmouth and although Cramb saw his initial effort blocked, he followed up to score his ninth goal of the season.

In the 63rd minute substitute Lowe announced his arrival by scoring within 90 seconds of taking the field, sliding home Banim's low cross from close range and when Tinson turned in a Martin O'Connor corner 19 minutes from time, a rout looked on the cards.

But Wright gave the visitors something to show for their efforts by scoring with an angled drive 12 minutes from time, but Shrewsbury will travel to Northwich next Thursday confident of keeping their promotion bid on course.