A MAD late spell saw Shrewton crumble and concede two goals to table-toppers Ludgershall Sports in Wiltshire League Premier Division.

Shrewton led with just four minutes on the clock but a late, double strike ensured the leaders stole the points in a 3-2 victory that they trailed for the vast majority.

United started brightly and immediately laid siege on the visitors’ goal and, after three minutes, the Shrewton fans were in raptures as an accurate Craig Lewis cross was headed onto the bar by Dean Foot before the alert Dom Jackson tucked away the rebound to nudge his side in front.

The pressure continued towards the Ludgershall goal with Foot and Lewis Barr firing over before Ludgershall equalised with their first real attack midway through the half. Some neat build-up play saw the lively visiting forward collect the ball with his back to goal in the Shrewton box, turned and fired home.

Barely a minute later Shrewton restored their advantage as a fierce Joey Weeks strike was spilled by the visiting goalkeeper and Carlos Downie followed up to make it 2-1. The score remained the same until the break. After half-time, Shrewton continued to dominate as Ludgershall found it difficult to get forward, although they might have equalised on the hour when a close range effort sailed out of the ground.

With 20 minutes remaining, Foot headed onto the underside of the bar and the chance went begging. Foot was again in the thick of the action minutes later when he shot tamely when the Ludgershall keeper was stranded after he blocked a Lewis effort.

With four minutes remaining Shrewton paid for their wastefulness as a sliced volley tricked into the net before a fierce drive, moments later, clinched a dramatic win for the visitors.

Shrewton manager Scott Young said: “I am bitterly disappointed we lost that game.”

“We controlled the match from the first minute so to lose is difficult to take.

“Credit to Ludgershall who stayed in the game and were lethal in front of goal but really we should be taking our chances and finishing teams off.

“This was a missed opportunity but there are many games left and we move onto the next one.”

Sarum Youth Seniors’ clash with FC Chippenham Youth was postponed.

On Saturday, Shrewton look to boost their promotion hopes with the visit of basement-trapped Marlborough Town and Sarum travel north to Wroughton. Both are 2.15pm kick offs.