After picking up their first point of the season last time out, Church were now set for their first away game of the campaign as they visited one of the title favorites, Shrewsbury Town, aiming for their first-ever three points at the level. Shall we see?

TEAM NEWS:
Ben Davis named the same starting eleven that showed the powers of recovery to snatch a point at home against Port Vale. However, he was able to recall Molly Hicks, who played an integral part to the title-winning team last season. Hicks was named as a substitute. He was also able to name Giselle Kutia-Calame on the bench. Kutia-Calame has also played her part in seasons gone by smashing records, and firing the Church side to promotions. Firepower added to the bench, would it pay dividends?

THE ACTION:
In awful, rainy and blustery conditions for everyone at the ground, it was the visitors that got the ball rolling for this mouth-watering clash...

Taking a while to settle into their stride, it was the home side that went close early on in this frantic contest. Jones brought the ball down having latched onto a loose pass. She took her time before skipping past the Church challenge, picking her head up and firing just wide of the far left-hand post.

Just moments later, it was Church breaking down the other end. Sheridan unleashed a superb pass into the path of Leedham, who drove at the heart of the Sallop defence before taking on the effort from a tight angle. Her effort wasn't a million miles away from finding the top corner but sailed over the top of Smith's crossbar in the Shrewsbury goal.

The next 20 minutes of the encounter were very stop and start with both sides needing treatment - which made for a frustrating period as neither side could gain any real momentum.

However, as the half started to draw to a close, Church now stepped up a gear and started piling the pressure on the home side's defence as they went in search of an opener before the interval. The Church got their deserved rewards for their persistence. On 43 minutes, skipper Wilkinson delivered a teasing cross into the area. Goalkeeper, Smith, came flying out to punch the ball clear, but completely missed it allowing for a cushioned finish at the far post for Imogen Butler, who had her second goal of the season.

HALF-TIME: SHREWSBURY TOWN 0-1 ALVECHURCH

In a great position and having startled the home side, could Church build on it?

We got our answer within two minutes of the restart. Allowing it not to affect them, the hosts flew out of the traps. A corner delivery was on the money from Zoe Griffiths, who found Alice Raby in the middle, unmarked and with a header that planted itself into the top right-hand corner to restore parity.

On 58 minutes, the Church side had an almighty opportunity to regain their advantage. After dancing through her marker's challenge, Leedham slid the ball through the Sallop defence for Stevens. Our striker took an incredible touch taking her away from any sort of tackle before unleashing a venomous drive but the effort went on the wrong side of the mark as Shrewsbury escaped.

Then came the moment that stole the points. Nine minutes later after Stevens' chance, the home side found themselves in-front. The second-half turnaround was well and truly complete as Alice Raby, again, found herself in a great position from within the travelling side's box for another free header. Punished. Shrewsbury 2, Alvechurch 1.

Could Church show their spirit?

With 10 minutes left, Leedham found herself in acres of spaces down the right-hand side. She whipped in a cross that was almost certain to reach substitute Kutia-Calame at the far post for a free header but the the skipper Owen managed to get a telling touch of the top of her head to take it away from our goal-machine over the years to ensure the hosts would crush any hopes of a fightback.

FULL-TIME: SHREWSBURY TOWN 2-1 ALVECHURCH

Having fought back in their season opener, Church just couldn't quite do it on Sunday afternoon. A game of two halves in perspective for the travelling side - who will no doubt bounce back from this one. They now face back-to-back home games, looking to put it right and ensure that their pristine home record doesn't come under threat when they welcome Shifnal Town Ladies and Leek Town Ladies to The Hayes.

Join us next weekend as we go again.