Gigg Lane may have played host to one of the most significant penalty shoot-out victories in Shrewsbury Town’s history.

But in Greater Manchester last night it was a case of similar story, different conclusion.

Almost 18 months on from Town holding their nerve to decide that nerve-jangling play-off semi-final from the spot, it was Bury who made penalty progression in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round.

The prizes on offer are incomparable, yet disappointment rippled through the Shrewsbury camp after a route to the national stadium had been slammed shut.

Recalled defender Danny O’Donnell was the man who brought the losing ticket in the lottery that is spot-kicks.

With no extra time in the lower League knockout, a goalless 90 minutes was followed directly by 10 impeccable penalties to send the shoot-out into sudden death.

Matt Harrold, Kevin McIntyre, Steve Leslie, Sean McAllister and David Raven had all clinically dispatched their penalties to always keep Shrewsbury’s noses in front.

But Bury did likewise and it was to be the unfortunate O’Donnell who paved the way for the Shakers to progress.

His penalty came at a perfect height for Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford, who parried away the effort before guaranteeing hero status for the evening by himself slotting home the winning penalty.

Satisfaction

If the end result provided a small semblance of revenge for Alan Knill’s side for the pain of that play-off defeat, then both sides can take some satisfaction for the weeks and months ahead from the proceeding 90 minutes.

The first half undoubtedly belonged to Bury on an evening when both sides made five changes.

To the credit of Shrewsbury’s defence, the home side – whose pace and movement in attacking areas was a threat early on – were largely restricted to long-range efforts from Lenell John-Lewis, Peter Sweeney and Telford- born Kyle Bennett.

There was a major escape for Town when John-Lewis struck the inside of the post when the ball looked destined for the back of the net, but Shrewsbury also went close with their occasional attacking forays.

O’Donnell converted one opportunity – heading home a Craig Disley free-kick – only for it to be ruled out for a narrow offside, while Matt Harrold headed a David Raven centre into the ground and over the bar.

Those opportunities proved the catalyst for a much-improved tempo to Shrewsbury’s second half display, during which the visitors carried a much increased threat.

While Bury’s only real chance came through a header wide from giant defender Ben Futcher, Town enjoyed greater spells of territory and far more purposeful possession.

They could have snatched it when Lewis Neal, who increasingly caught the eye as the evening wore on, forced a save from Belford with a low drive from a tight angle while there were two late presentable opportunities for Tom Bradshaw in the closing five minutes.

Alas the deadlock couldn’t be broke and, when penalties arrived, it was Shrewsbury who cracked first.

By JAMES GARRISON