BEWDLEY Town have set their sights on progressing to a "whole new level" after stretching their West Midlands Premier Division unbeaten run to 10 games with a 2-1 win at Shawbury United.

They have not lost a league game since the middle of October and boss Craig Payton is now seriously targeting a top three place in what was originally a season of consolidation.

Bewdley's form since winning promotion from Division One last season has been so good that they are now thinking about promotion to a higher standard of football.

Restructuring at the end of the season could see three teams from Bewdley's league promoted to a new-look Midland Alliance.

"We're hoping for the top three now," admitted Payton after goals from Chris Hough and Jamie Hart sunk Shawbury.

"Originally we were only aiming for halfway but I've told the lads it's no good being chuffed with how we've been doing, we've got to keep it going.

"With the restructure, you never know, if we get the ground sorted, we could get to a whole new level."

Shawbury boasted new signings Chris Hutton from Port Vale and John Harris and Mark Rogers from Ludlow Town,

Hough, who is one of several Bewdley players attracting continuing interest from higher league clubs, opened the scoring when he blasted in from 15 yards after a long throw from Neil Turford.

Shawbury hit back after the break when Glynn Evans lobbed Steve Thomas, who moments earlier had saved from Tom Rogers, despite being a virtual spectator up until that point.

His opposite number Richard Dakin was also called into action to twice deny Bewdley midfield maestro Steve Holt.

Bewdley sealed the win when Hart, returning from a snowboarding trip, came in from the cold as a substitute to head the winner from Lewis Pountney's cross.

Turford had a goal disallowed for offside before Thomas produced two super saves to protect the points.

Bewdley played Swifts in a friendly last night but have a free Saturday.

l BEWDLEY Reserves ended their 5-1 West Midlands League division two defeat at Brereton with nine players - prompting boss Rich Downey to quip: "I should have stayed in Egypt!"

Downey was holidaying in the Middle East the previous weekend when Bewdley beat Shenstone but returned in time for this lacklustre performance.

A Jordan Tipper penalty was their only consolation, although he also rattled the bar and the arrival of Luke Woodhouse livened them up for a while before the substitute was carried off injured.

With Andy Hipkins also limping off and Sam Mason getting his marching orders, Bewdley, who had used up all of their subs, finished with eight players.

Injuries and suspensions mean they will have up to eight players missing for Saturday's home clash with Wednesbury.