Hugill halts Shrews fightback
Port Vale substitute Jordan Hugill's breakaway goal sealed a 3-1 victory for his side after Shrewsbury had launched a spirited second-half comeback.
Shrewsbury debutant Gozie Ugwu and Vale striker Ben Williamson both threatened in the lively opening stages, but Vale wrestled the initiative before taking a 23rd-minute lead.
Chris Lines collected a throw from Adam Yates to cross from the right and Chris Robertson was totally unmarked as he headed past Chris Weale at the far post.
Shrewsbury felt they should have had a penalty when Adam Reach went to ground from Robertson's 30t- minute challenge, but the visitors were in deep trouble when Vale scored again just seconds later.
Jennison Myrie-Williams burst down the right before cutting inside to curl a brilliant left-footed shot high inside Weale's right-hand post from 25 yards.
A poor first-half display by Shrewsbury was summed up when Liam McAlinden wasted a golden chance to reduce the arrears.
McAlinden did make amends in the 59th minute when his left foot slammed a loose ball inside Chris Neal's right-hand post from 10 yards.
And Shrewsbury performed much better after that with Vale having to dig deep before Hugill clipped a left-footed shot past the advancing Weale in the fourth minute of time added on.
Source: PA
Source: PA