Shrewsbury Town 2 Wolves 0 - Report and pictures

Goals from Alex Rodman and Carlton Morris in a high-octane first-half were enough for Paul Hurst’s hosts who looked far sharper than their higher-ranked visitors.

While a slower second period calmed things down, Shrewsbury faithful will be very encouraged by this new-look blue and amber side.

James Bolton, signed this week from non-league Gateshead, was handed a debut at right-back.

There was a place at centre-half for Mat Sadler, who overcame a calf complaint, while Arthur Gnahoua, scorer against Aston Villa from the bench last week, began in attack.

Abu Ogogo wore the captain’s armband for the hosts, with Paul Hurst still to name his club captain for the forthcoming campaign.

Returning Shrewsbury hero Dave Edwards had the captain’s armband for visitors Wolves, as he had during the Molineux club’s trip to Austria.

New Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was overseeing his first game on home soil in charge.

But it was the lower-ranked League One side, fresh from a fine victory over Villa, who deservedly led.

Not from their first attack in the early moments the hosts threatened their Championship visitors, Junior Brown raided down the left flank, and as John Rudd was unable to claim a cross, the ball bounced around before being met by Rodman who lashed in a fine half-volley on the turn.

It was the winger’s, who has promised Hurst more goals this term, second goal of pre-season.

Town were much sharper and worked harder with and without the ball, looking comfortable in possession and harassing their visitors.

Wolves, who had struggled to settle, then faced another blow as their new £15million man Ruben Neves was forced off after failing to recover from Jon Nolan’s early challenge.

By the half hour mark Shrewsbury had doubled their lead. Again Brown was the creator, his cross on the left was missed by the unmarked Rodman but C Morris had enough time to lash the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Shell-shocked Wolves should’ve been back in it but Nouha Dicko was unable to convert after escaping the Town defence, firing across goal.

Hurst made three changes at the break, Craig MacGillivray for the barely-worked Henderson in goal, Christos Shelis for Sadler and Lenell John-Lewis was introduced for C Morris.

Wolves, who made almost wholesale changes at the break, saw more of the ball in the second period and almost carved Shrewsbury open 10 minutes in.

Sub Bright Enobakhare released Michal Zyro and the Pole lifted a finish over Town change Craig MacGillivray in goal, but his goal-bound finish was superbly cleared from the line by Christos Shelis.

The young Cypriot, playing in his natural centre-half position, made up plenty of ground to clear.

Shrewsbury’s 60th minute subs, including Louis Dodds, Lenell John-Lewis, Ebou Adams and Dan James, upped the ante for the hosts, with some impressive hold-up play from former Grimsby man John-Lewis is particular.

Romain Saiss’ free-kick had Craig MacGillivray at full stretch as Wolves hunted for a way back into the friendly.

The midfielder the headed over unmarked from a corner.

The tempo had understandably dropped amid the changes and opportunities were few and far between, Shaun Whalley cut in from the right flank but sent an effort straight at Will Norris.

The last few minutes were played almost at walking pace but Town’s first 45 minutes in particular was another great indication of, hopefully, things to come

Teams:

Shrewsbury Town (4-4-2):

Henderson (MacGillivray, 45); Bolton, Nsiala, Sadler (Shelis, 45), Brown; Rodman (Whalley, 60), Ogogo © (Adams, 60), B Morris, Nolan (Dodds, 60); Gnahoua (James, 60), C Morris (John-Lewis, 45)

Wolves first half (3-4-3): John Ruddy; Miranda, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves (Saiss, 22), Edwards (c), Douglas; Ronan, Dicko, Cavaleiro.

Wolves second half (3-4-3): Norris; Bennett, Batth (c), Deslandes; Doherty (Simpson, 62), Price, Saiss, Douglas (Vinagre, 62); Zyro, Mason, Enobakhare. Subs not used: Burgoyne, Graham.

Referee: Rob Lewis

Attendance: 5,409 (2,908 Wolves fans)