Shrewsbury Town through in Carabao Cup after incredible penalty drama at Salford

Will Brook’s penalty shoot-out heroics saw Shrewsbury Town kick-start their season in perfect style with a dramatic victory over Salford City.

Brook saved four of the 16 spot-kicks taken as Shrewsbury won an enthralling Carabao Cup first-round tie 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

The dramatic afternoon ended with Salop celebrating in front of a jubilant away end after surviving a late onslaught from the hosts.

New striker Josh Davison had fired Shrewsbury ahead early in the second half, but Salford responded after Sam Stubbs was sent off.

There was further drama when Salford defender Will Aimson was also shown a red card following an altercation inside the dugout with Salop assistant Dave Edwards.

Boss Gavin Cowan maintains his impressive record at Salford, having now won twice at Moor Lane, with this victory following Town’s memorable comeback win there in February.

Shrewsbury enjoyed a positive first period and came closest when Tom Sang curled an effort narrowly wide of the post from inside the box.

Salop looked particularly effective down the wings as they sought to work the ball into the box, with Arkell Jude-Boyd catching the eye as he delivered several dangerous crosses.

Town then made the perfect start to the second half as summer recruit Davison fired home the opening goal of the new campaign.

After good work from Isaac Fletcher, who nipped in to capitalise on a mistake and forced a shot inside the box, the ball fell to Davison, who made no mistake.

Chances had been in short supply for the striker up to that point, but he made his opportunity count, powering the follow-up into the bottom-right corner to spark jubilant scenes among the packed away following.

Town showed great resilience as they looked to protect their advantage, but their task became even tougher when defender Stubbs was shown a second yellow card for a strong sliding challenge.

Stubbs and captain Will Boyle protested the decision, but the red card stood and Shrewsbury were forced to see out the remainder of the contest with 10 men.

Salford eventually found their equaliser through Kyrell Malcolm, whose effort took a deflection on its way into the net.

There was further late drama as the hosts pushed for a winner, with Edwards involved in an altercation inside the dugout with Aimson, who was shown a red card following a lengthy stoppage.

The tie went to penalties, and the drama continued.

Brook produced four saves from the spot as Shrewsbury were presented with several opportunities to seal victory, but it was Jude-Boyd who eventually found the net to settle a remarkable shoot-out and send Salop into the second round.