Shrewsbury Town kids produce stunning FA Youth Cup comeback
Salop’s youngsters ran riot against Port Vale with a stunning second-half comeback.
Shrewsbury Town’s academy starlets produced a stunning second-half comeback to thrash Port Vale and reach the FA Youth Cup second round.
Town’s youngest-ever player, Hugo Aiston, played a key role in the under-18s’ emphatic victory at Vale Park on Tuesday night.
Aiston scored the equaliser before further strikes from Jack Houlston, Harry Fallon and Charley McLaurin secured a 4-1 win for Salop.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for Sean McAllister’s side following their defeat to Preston North End in the EFL Youth Alliance League last Saturday.
McAllister, who represented both Shrewsbury and Vale during his playing career, will be hoping to guide another talented crop through the competition and to success this season following a historic title-winning campaign for the club’s academy and under-18s last term.
Several youngsters have already gained valuable first-team experience this season, featuring in the EFL Trophy. Fallon, Ollie Hall and Aiston were among those involved against the Valiants.
The tie was closely contested in the first half, but Vale broke the deadlock shortly before the interval through Ollie Cook.
Goalkeeper Tom Hill did well to keep out Josh Sammuel-Flemming’s low drive, but Cook was on hand to bundle home the rebound.
Salop emerged from the break with renewed purpose, with Aiston causing problems from the wing and testing the Vale defence.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 66th minute when Aiston produced a moment of brilliance, turning on the edge of the box before firing a spectacular strike into the top corner.
Town’s youngsters continued to pour forward and soon took the lead. Houlston’s cross evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper, and sailed into the net.
The visitors were not finished there, with Fallon racing down the right before finishing from a tight angle to make it 3-1.
Substitute McLaurin then added a fourth in stoppage time to complete an emphatic comeback.
Shrewsbury will face Fleetwood Town in the second round of the competition later this month.
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