STAND-IN striker Micky Ball, deputising for the injured Jesse Walters, proved himself a more than able replacement, having a hand in all three of Shrewton United's goals as they cruised to victory at Almondsbury.

The Shrews continued their recent sparkling run of form, defying difficult conditions to give a highly confident and competent performance.

"It was a windy day and a very open pitch, so it wasn't easy, but they managed to play very well," said manager Stuart Withers.

Ball latched onto a blocked clearance and was running it back into the danger area when the Almondsbury goalkeeper scythed him down for a penalty, coolly converted by Dean Foot.

The hosts levelled before the break after a punt upfield caught the Shrews defence napping.

But United were back on the offensive after the restart, Foot converting a second penalty after Lee Weeks was felled in mid-shot.

Ball completed the scoring soon after, leaving United celebrating another maximum points haul on the road.

The injury to Walters is the only dark cloud on the horizon, as the Shrews look forward to welcoming several absentees, including Robin Gorham, back to the line-up.

Walters tore his hamstrings playing for Unit-ed's second string, leaving boss Stuart Withers keeping his fingers crossed for a quick recovery.

"I gave him permission to play for the reserves," said Withers. "Now all we can do is hope that it's not as bad as it first looked."

Shrewton visit Ilfracombe Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm.