Shirley Town carried on where they left off last week with a poor performance at home to Crescent Rovers and a 3-1 defeat.

The first half initially showed promise for the home side as they controlled most of the play and reduced Crescent to very few chances. The passing was still a little sloppy, and with confidence obviously an issue, the team rallied together and were able to take the lead just prior to half time. Nick Duffell was played through, beating the offside trap and keeping an unusually calm head, was able to round the keeper and roll the ball home.

The second half was a different story again as Shirley, having made progress in the first half, seemed to regress once more as they struggled to get to grips with the away team's efforts to get themselves level.

Crescent piled on the pressure but Shirley looked strong and able to cope with everything they had and looked as if they would hold out for the win. This was until a well delivered corner found the Crescent target man who was able to beat two defenders to the ball and head home past the disappointing Bufton to equalise.

Almost immediately anyone watching would have seen the Shirley heads drop and Crescent step up a gear. Crescent took the lead when a defensive lapse allowed a 2 on 1 situation on the edge of the Shirley box and the spare man was able to prod home. This was soon followed when once again the Crescent target man was first to the ball to meet a long throw, and his flick eventually made its way to an unmarked player at the back of the six yard box to thrash the ball home confidently.

There were some chances for Shirley and some good play on the break but overall another below par display from Shirley.

Referee : Paul Harris
Player ratings supplied by Paul Harris