Shrewsbury Town cap dramatic week with Northampton Town victory

It felt fitting that Shrewsbury Town capped a dramatic week off the pitch with three points on it.

It had not been the start to the new campaign anyone wanted, but there was a buzz around the Meadow ahead of Salop’s clash with Northampton Town.

It could even be considered a ‘takeover derby’. Northampton are being taken over by a consortium featuring former Brazil forward Alexandre Pato, while Shrewsbury’s own takeover took major steps forward, with Scott Davidson receiving approval and the other members of his American consortium revealed.

But, regardless of the developments off the pitch, Town needed to deliver on it and begin turning around their difficult start. And that is exactly what they did.

Boss Gavin Cowan had stressed the importance of making the most of key moments after Town had failed to capitalise on them in previous outings. When one arrived in the ninth minute, Kian McMahon-Brown took it emphatically.

Josh Davison’s header from Sam Stubbs’ long throw fell to the Burnley loanee on the edge of the area, and he lashed the ball home to mark a brilliant first appearance at the Meadow.

It was the perfect start and exactly what Shrewsbury needed. But they had to weather some pressure before the break, with Will Brook twice denying Harvey Saunders inside the area before Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh fired wide.

Kevin Berkoe had been one of Town’s brighter performers during the opening weeks of the season and provided further comfort before the interval.

Davison saw another header denied, but Berkoe followed up smartly at the back post to score his first goal for the club.

Northampton looked to respond after the break, but Town did well to nullify their threat. McMahon-Brown continued to impress and saw an effort saved midway through the half.

Brook then got down well to his left to keep out Owen Dale’s powerful low effort after the Northampton man had caused problems down the right.

But there was little else to trouble Town as they held on for the win with a display of resilient defending.

Jubilant scenes followed at full-time as Shrewsbury celebrated a second league victory of the season - both of them secured on home soil.