TOWN Reserves slumped to a disappointing defeat at the Galpharm Stadium yesterday.
John Dungworth's side went down to a stunning strike from Shrews' frontman Keith Barker in the final minute of the first half.
Barker, who caused Town's defence problems all afternoon, escaped the offside trap to cut in from the right and fire an unstoppable strike high into the far corner, giving Simon Eastwood no chance.
The impressive Adnan Ahmed wasted the home side's best chance on 58 minutes when he was put through by John McAliskey, his shot being smartly saved by Ryan Esson.
A triple substitution was made soon after that, with Town sending on defender Shane Killock and strikers Luke Malcher and Daniel Broadbent, who offered Town a little more guile up front, but in the end they were powerless to stop Shrewsbury earning victory.
Town started better in the opening passages of play and pressured early on with a series of corners, while McAliskey had an effort blocked.
The inventive Ahmed received a warning from the referee after 11 minutes for an untidy lunge on the Shrews' Gary Stopforth.
That challenge seemed to spark Shrewsbury and suddenly it was the visitors who were causing most of the problems.
The polished Martin McIntosh cleared off the line and Eastwood had to be at his best to deny Royce Brownlie after the Shrewsbury striker had benefited from a poor Adam Wilson header.
The substitutions had a massive effect on the home side, who looked more threatening with the clever Malcher and dangerous Broadbent supporting the hard-working Lucas Akins.
Broadbent had a good effort saved from 20 yards as Town sought to retrieve something from the match.
The away side took advantage of Town's attacking instincts and always looked dangerous on the break.
Tom Moss was unlucky not to double his side's advantage with a glorious dipping volley that hit the underside of the bar and bounced agonisingly close to the goalline.
Malcher shot tamely when well placed as time started to run out for Town.
Ahmed failed to make the most of the host's final chance as he curled a free-kick just over after he had been fouled.
Town - Eastwood, Racchi (Malcher 60), Hand (Broadbent 60), Wilson, McCombe, McIntosh, Hudson, Ahmed, McAliskey (Killock 60), Akins, Skarz. Subs not used: Berrett, Bailey.
