Isaac Fletcher stunner seals Shrewsbury Town win in final pre-season test

A late stunner from Isaac Fletcher earned Shrewsbury Town victory over Aston Villa’s youngsters in their final pre-season outing.

Salop surrendered a two-goal lead, including conceding a bizarre own goal, but Fletcher’s superb curling strike off the post sealed a 3-2 win.

The match was Shrewsbury’s final pre-season fixture before next weekend’s competitive opener away to Salford City in the Carabao Cup.

The hosts raced into a two-goal lead, with summer signing Josh Davison scoring twice for his first goals in a Town shirt.

Arkell Jude-Boyd impressed down the right and delivered a series of dangerous crosses, one of which led to the opener after just six minutes. George Lloyd’s header was well saved, but Davison reacted quickest to turn home the rebound.

Davison doubled his tally less than 10 minutes later, rising high to head home Tom Sang’s free-kick and cap an impressive start from Gavin Cowan’s side.

Town continued to threaten but gifted Villa a route back into the contest. Facing his parent club, goalkeeper Sam Proctor endured a moment to forget as Will Boyle’s back-pass slipped under his foot and rolled over the line for a bizarre own goal.

The fixture had been arranged as part of Proctor’s summer loan move from Villa.

The young goalkeeper almost made another costly mistake shortly after the half-hour. Caught in two minds about whether to leave his line, Proctor was beaten to the ball by Ben Broggio, who rounded him before dragging his effort wide from a tight angle.

Proctor recovered well before the break, producing a fine save to deny Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.

Jimoh-Aloba was one of two former West Brom loanees in Villa’s squad, alongside Samuel Iling-Junior, with both having spent time at The Hawthorns last season.

Iling-Junior looked lively after the restart, first latching onto a lofted pass before slipping as he shot, allowing Proctor to gather, then firing another effort wide.

There were more familiar faces in Villa’s squad, with former Shrewsbury loanees Tommi O’Reilly and Josh Feeney both involved after spells at the Croud Meadow during the 2024/25 season.

Villa drew level eight minutes into the second half when Broggio produced an excellent finish from just inside the box.

Proctor then produced a strong save to deny Oscar Johnson after the Villa forward raced through on goal.

Shrewsbury continued to push for a winner and found it through substitute Fletcher.

The attacking midfielder was given space outside the area and curled a superb left-footed effort beyond Earley via the inside of the post to clinch victory.