Shrewsbury Hockey Club lose tight derby battle to Telford & Wrekin

Last weekend's 4-3 reverse at the hands of high-flying Telford at the Roman Road Sports Centre leaves Shrewsbury in the bottom three in Midlands Two, with a record of four defeats from five games.

Shrewsbury's versatile player JP Turford felt a draw would have been a fair result – but the hosts just pulled up short in their brave effort to retrieve a 3-0 half-time deficit.

Shrewsbury now want to trigger a move up the table by pushing for maximum points against Finchfield, a side yet to win this season having drawn three and lost the other two of their opening five matches.

Shrewsbury should be boosted by the anticipated return of top scorer Craig Heath and Jamie McVittie, both unavailable for the Telford clash.

"We feel this is a game we've got to target as one we can win," said Turford. "If we play like we did in the second half against Telford, we should have a good chance."

Telford worked themselves into a strong position at the halfway stage last weekend after establishing a 3-0 advantage through Alex Johnson, Sam Mallett and Dave Tracey.

Turford felt Shrewsbury still had a chance, even allowing for that scoreline, and they were right back in the hunt after Andrew Lloyd, a regular in the club's third team these days, announced his return to the first-team stage by opening the home side's goal account.

Skipper Nick Price then ensured it was very much game on when he ran from inside his own half and fired a fine shot to the top corner of the net to cut the arrears to 3-2.

A lapse in concentration meant Telford quickly added a fourth through Ben Cooper but back came Shrewsbury to set up a frantic finale when Tom Roberts netted from a short corner.

"We pushed for another goal, but just ran out of time," said Turford. "I think we would have probably got one had we had another five minutes.

"It was a good, competitive local derby and we felt we were unlucky not to get anything out of the game.

"Telford are a good team and, having been relegated last season, I'm sure they are aiming to go straight back up."