Shrewsbury Town suffer third defeat from four League Two games with miserable night on the road

A poor Shrewsbury Town suffered a third defeat in four League Two games after conceding twice in the first half at Rochdale.

Town were punished by another costly opening 45 minutes, just as they were seven days earlier in the EFL Cup, before Rochdale added a late third to seal a 3-0 victory.

Salop arrived in Greater Manchester looking for back-to-back wins after getting off the mark against Salford City days earlier.

But bottom side Rochdale, who had yet to win this season, posed the greater threat in front of goal and ultimately put Town to the sword.

Familiar face Ethan Ebanks-Landell captained Dale, having made more than 100 league appearances for Shrewsbury between 2019 and 2022.

But his evening was cut short, with Zain Silcott-Duberry introduced in his place.

The winger immediately caused problems down the left, with Dajaune Brown first offering a warning when he headed narrowly over from a cross.

Rochdale then found the breakthrough when Town were passive defensively and opened up down the left.

Josh Ruffels’ attempted clearance from Silcott-Duberry’s cross fell straight to Baba Adeeko, who fired a low finish into the net.

And there was a sense of déjà vu approaching the break as Town handed Rochdale another gift.

Just as they had seven days earlier, Ruffels missed a clearance, allowing Luke Hannant to capitalise.

He raced through on goal before coolly dinking the advancing Will Brook to put Dale two goals clear.

Town looked to hit back after the break and created better openings.

Josh Davison struck the post from Joe Gbode’s shot-turned-pass. But the best chance fell to captain Will Boyle - who had been Town’s hero just days earlier - who saw a close-range header superbly saved by Nils Ramming.

Loanee Kian McMahon-Brown made his Shrewsbury debut, replacing Isaac Fletcher, while fellow new arrival Michael Golding was also introduced for his first appearance.

But Rochdale put the game beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining.

Town were caught in midfield and the hosts broke forward, with Jonny Smith curling a composed finish beyond Brook to complete a miserable night for Salop.