Shropshire Star

Five memorable starts to rival high-flying Shrewsbury Town's opening victories

Following Shrewsbury Town's scorching start to the season, we look at some other memorable beginnings to the season for Salop.

Published

1958/59 – Four unbeaten, three wins

In the inaugural Division Four season, player-manager Arthur Rowley, just joined from Leicester City, top scored with 37 goals as Town plundered in 101 in total to seal promotion finishing fourth.

They got up and running with wins at Hartlepool, Gateshead and against Coventry, before drawing the return Gay Meadow clash with Gateshead.

Alongside Rowley, Ken Smith, Ray Russell and Ken Tucker were also among the goals in the early weeks of the season.

1988/1989 – Four unbeaten, three wins

Town currently occupy their highest position in the football pyramid since September 26, 1989.

That came on the back of Ian McNeill’s side’s impressive Division Three start.

The sequence included an opening day draw with Reading and victories over Blackpool and Birmingham.

Midfielder Dougie Bell grabbed a couple of goals alongside Tony Kelly and John McGinley. Town finished 11th that season, six points shy of a play-off place.

2008/2009 – Four unbeaten, three wins

Town got things up and running in style with a thumping 4-0 victory over Macclesfield, Grant Holt was on target from the spot, his first of 20 goals that season.

Paul Murray notched a winner at Exeter before Holt was on target against Aldershot.

Dave Hibbert and Michael Symes netted in the final game of their unbeaten run, a 2-2 draw at Notts County.

Promotion slipped through Town’s fingers courtesy of Gillingham’s last minute play-off winner at Wembley.

2010/11 – Five unbeaten, four wins

Jake Robinson kicked things off with a thrilling hat-trick against Bradford on the opening day for Graham Turner’s side.

The returning boss then oversaw a victory over Macclesfield, a draw against Aldershot and wins over Stockport and Rotherham.

Matt Harrold, Mark Wright and Lionel Ainsworth were also on target in the early weeks.

Town ended League Two in fourth but lost out in the play-off semi-finals 2-0 on aggregate to Torquay United.

2014/15 – Five unbeaten, three wins

Town’s fantastic promotion campaign in Micky Mellon’s first season began with a draw at AFC Wimbledon, but wins against Tranmere and Accrington Stanley, a draw against Northampton and victory over Luton had Shrews looking in fine shape.

Nat Knight-Percival, Connor Goldson and Ryan Woods were all mainstays of Mellon’s side, while James Collins, Andy Mangan and Jordan Clark hit the goal trail.

Town won promotion after finishing second that term.