SHREWTON United emerged with a deserved victory in their top-of-the-table clash over an ill-tempered Supermarine who finished with nine men.

The crucial win at the Rec has moved Shrewton to within three points of the leaders, with both sides level on games played.

United made a quick start in the six-pointer and should have taken the lead as Jesse Walters saw his strike saved by the visiting keeper when he was through on goal, before minutes later Craig Lewis steered wide from ten yards after good work down the wing by Walters.

The hosts were rewarded with the opener as James Dolman, who terrorised the visitors’ defence, waltzed past three defenders before crossing for Archie Wilkinson to tap home from two yards. A deserved one goal advantage was taken into the break.

The visitors started the second half strongly and enjoyed a sustained period of pressure without creating anything of note, but mustered an equaliser with twenty minutes remaining as a corner was cleared by Alan Carr to the edge of the box before being hooked back towards the Shrews’ goal and into the top corner.

However, to Shrewton's credit, they responded well to the setback as they began to exert some pressure on the visitors goal as they knew only three points would suffice if they wanted to keep their title hopes alive.

And the winning goal came in the 80th minute as Walters, turning the visiting defence, was hauled down 20 yards out as he ran through on goal.

To the surprise of the home side, the defender escaped with just a yellow card. From the resulting free kick, Ross Bentall saw his effort brilliantly saved before Dolman slotted in the rebound to restore United's advantage.

A minute later, Supermarine were in serious trouble when Walters was hacked to the ground again and the defender was sent off with a second yellow.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors only had nine men left as a defender kicked out at Bentall.

The Shrews will go top, temporarily, if they beat SKS Blyskawicia at home on Saturday (3pm).