Shrewsbury Town beaten by West Brom after first-half blitz
Championship class tells as West Brom overcome Shrewsbury Town at the Croud Meadow.
Shrewsbury Town conceded three first-half goals as they suffered a 4-1 pre-season defeat to West Brom.
Salop were aiming to secure a third successive pre-season victory and extend their impressive defensive record as preparations continue for the new League Two campaign.
The clash saw Town concede for the first time this pre-season, excluding penalty shootouts.
Just as Gavin Cowan had anticipated - and welcomed as a valuable learning experience - Shrewsbury spent much of the contest penned back in their own half under sustained pressure from their Championship opponents.
West Brom fashioned several early opportunities, with Alex Mowatt firing over from long range before new signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan began to trouble the hosts. The forward first struck the side-netting before drilling a low effort against the post from outside the area.
Albion’s pressure eventually told after 16 minutes. Attempting to lay the ball off to Isaac Lee, Byron Pendleton inadvertently surrendered possession and the Baggies quickly capitalised. Morgan picked out Harry Whitwell, who curled an excellent finish into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.
Shrewsbury fashioned a rare opening when Isaac Fletcher saw his effort blocked following a corner, but moments later Albion doubled their lead.
Pendleton unfortunately slipped as the ball was played back to him, allowing Morgan to race through on goal before delicately dinking Sam Proctor with a composed finish.
Town responded well and pulled a goal back just before the break after capitalising on Albion losing possession in the final third. Tom Sang burst forward before squaring for Fletcher, who converted with ease.
However, West Brom restored their two-goal cushion before half-time as Morgan arrived at the back post to turn home Chris Mepham’s flick-on from a corner.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Albion continuing to dictate proceedings. Whitwell went close again before Joe Gbode headed over for Town.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Ousmane Diakite rattling the crossbar with a superb dipping strike.
Albion eventually added a fourth in the 78th minute when Aune Heggebo rose highest inside the penalty area to head home and complete the scoring.
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