Shrewsbury return to the foot of League One after suffering a heavy defeat at Highbury.

Chesterfield’s surprise 3-2 victory against managerless MK Dons, coupled with back to back defeats for Salop, mean that Paul Hurst’s men drop to the bottom of the league.

Former Shrewsbury Town loanee Conor McLaughlin put the Cod Army ahead in the first half. A second half brace from David Ball put the gloss on a deserved victory for the home side.

Hurst made two changes from the side that lost 2-1 against Sheffield United on Saturday. Ian Black and Mat Sadler came in for Abu Ogogo and Olly Lancashire.

Shrewsbury made the better start of the two teams, with Louis Dodds proving to be adept at keeping possession and using it wisely.

Clear cut chances were thin in the opening stages, with Fleetwood springing to life first. Former Peterborough United striker David Ball drifted into space, Mat Sadler arrived in the nick of time to clear the danger.

Then at the other end, Ian Black sprayed a pass out wide to Louis Dodds. The former Port Vale man controlled the ball exquisitely; before cutting inside and unleashing an effort just past the post.

Former Fleetwood defender Junior Brown gifted possession to ex Salop loanee Bobby Grant. He drove a low shot, which Mark Halstead parried behind to safety.

Moments later Shrewsbury failed to clear their lines and Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United and England striker Andy, put David Ball clean through. Jack Grimmer produced a well-timed tackle to thwart the forward.

However, Fleetwood were not to be denied in the 38th minute. Devante Cole blasted the ball across the face of goal, and Conor McLaughlin arrived on the scene to apply a simple finish.

Salop had the final chance of the half. AJ Leitch-Smith whipped the ball into the middle. Ivan Toney connected with a header, but ex Rotherham United keeper Alex Cairns collected the attempt.

At the beginning of the second half Shrewsbury had calls for a penalty turned down. AJ Leitch-Smith’s marauding run culminated in the striker hitting the deck. Referee Graham Salisbury waved play on.

The Cod Army extended their lead seven minutes into the second period. Conor McLaughlin rose above Brown, and Mark Halstead delayed for too long. Mat Sadler intervened to clear, but the ball was recycled back into the box. David Ball took control and calmly slotted home.

Louis Dodds was easily the man of the man for the away side. He drove the ball towards Ivan Toney. The Newcastle loanee cut the ball back into the danger area, but no Salop player could profit.

Fleetwood wrapped up the points with 18 minutes left. David Ball engineered himself some room on the edge of the box, before firing past Halstead much to delight of Uwe Rosler.

The home side finished the contest strongly, Mark Halstead atoned for his miscued clearance by blocking an effort. Then Mat Sadler prevented number four with a vital clearance.

Shrewsbury will hope to improve when they welcome Port Vale on Saturday. Fleetwood who move up to 8th visit AFC Wimbledon on the same day.

Attendance: 2,111

Team Line Ups:
Fleetwood Town: (3-5-2)
21. Cairns, 12. Bolger, 6. Pond, 5. Eastham, 2. McLaughlin, 34. Dempsey (84), 18. Glendon (79), 11. Grant, 3. Bell, 10. Ball, 44. Cole (72)

Subs: 1. Neal, 4. Jonsson, 9. Holloway, 15. Nirennold (79), 22. Hunter (72), 28. Sowerby (84), 35. Godswill-Ekpolo

Subs Not Used: 1. Neal, 4. Jonsson, 9. Holloway, 35. Godswill-Ekpolo

Shrewsbury Town: (4-1-2-1-2)
21. Halstead, 14. Grimmer, 24. El-Abd, 3. Sadler, 12. Brown, 18. Deegan, 6. Black (69), 11. O’Brien (85), 10. Dodds, 20. Leitch-Smith, 9. Toney

Subs: 1. Leutwiler, 4. McGivern, 5. Lancashire, 15. Smith, 16. Sarcevic (85), 27. Waring (69), 29. Ebanks-Blake

Subs Not Used: 1. Leutwiler, 4. McGivern, 5. Lancashire, 15. Smith, 29. Ebanks-Blake

Other League One Results:
Bolton 1 – 0 Coventry
Bradford 1 – 0 Northampton
Bristol Rovers 1 – 5 Charlton
Millwall 0 – 0 AFC Wimbledon
MK Dons 2 – 3 Chesterfield
Oxford 1 – 0 Gillingham
Peterborough 0 – 2 Scunthorpe
Port Vale 2 – 2 Oldham
Rochdale 4 – 0 Walsall
Sheffield United 1 – 0 Bury
Southend 1 – 1 Swindon

Report by: Ryan Hillback