Shrewsbury got their pre-season campaign off to an emphatic start, with a six nil victory over Market Drayton in the Shropshire Senior Cup.

All six goals came in the second half – with Scott Vernon bagging himself a hat-trick, Tyrone Barnett, Martin Woods and Mickey Demetriou also got themselves on the score sheet. New signing Abu Ogogo was the only unexpected absentee; he reported a groin injury this morning.

As expected Shrewsbury were the dominant force throughout much of the contest. The first real chance came in the 18th minute – James Collins flashed a low drive past Rawlings in the Market Drayton goal. The keeper’s reflexes were tested minutes later, Jordan Clark, fresh from signing a one year contract extension, fired an arching drive from outside the area; which Rawlings acrobatically tipped over.

Clark and new signing Junior Brown, showed excellent link up play moments later, but some superb defending thwarted any attempt on goal. Town continued to crank up the pressure. Ryan Woods’ floating cross was met by the head of in demand Connor Goldson – whose effort flashed wide. Just on the stroke of half time, Collins missed two decent chances. The first, was a volley which cleared the crossbar – the second was a snap shot which was struck just wide.

Shrewsbury changed their line up for the second half, as the goals came in thick and fast. Tyrone Barnett, put Shrewsbury ahead with a cushioned header into the bottom corner. Six minutes later it was two nil. Akpa-Akpro showed great awareness to cut the ball back to Martin Woods, the new signing arrowed the ball into the back of the net from outside the area. The third goal came on the 68th minute – Scott Vernon took advantage of some lackadaisical defending, by calmly slotting the ball past Rawlings.

The fourth arrived less than a minute later. Akpa-Akpro’s low cross was turned home by Vernon. The former Aberdeen striker, completed his hat trick with ten minutes remaining, by scoring a finesse header. And Vernon turned provider, his cross was met by the head of Demetriou to make it six.

A great way to kick off the pre season for Mickey Mellon’s men. Cardiff will visit the Greenhous Meadow next Saturday.

Shrewsbury X1 (first half) Leutwiler, Tootle, Goldson, Smith, Sadler, R.Woods, McKnight, Clark, Collins, McAlinden, Brown.

Shrewsbury X1 (second half) Burton, Patterson, Ellis, Grandison, Demetriou, M.Woods, Lawrence, Whalley, Vernon, Barnett, Akpa-Akpro.

Article by: Ryan Hillback