Shrewsbury Town’s EFL Trophy campaign off to losing start at Tranmere Rovers

Shrewsbury Town’s EFL Trophy campaign began with defeat at Tranmere Rovers - and there was an unwanted sense of deja vu about it.

It was a familiar story from Town’s League Two opener at Prenton Park last month. Shrewsbury created enough opportunities to take control but lacked the cutting edge to make their pressure count before Tranmere punished a costly defensive mistake.

Dylan Jones fired the hosts ahead in the 69th minute and, despite having chances of their own, Town could not find a way through as their struggles on the road continued.

The occasion gave Gavin Cowan the opportunity to rotate his side and hand valuable minutes to several players.

Arkell Jude-Boyd made his final appearance before joining up with Saint Lucia following his international call-up.

Town created the better openings during an encouraging first half but could not turn their dominance into a breakthrough.

George Lloyd spurned the clearest chance midway through the half when he raced through on goal before hesitating inside the area. Having attempted to round the goalkeeper, the striker turned back before eventually blazing over the crossbar.

Tom Sang went closer still, seeing a superb low drive strike the post, while Michael Golding was comfortably denied, Isaac Lee headed over and Joe Gbode was also thwarted.

Tranmere offered little in response, with George Nevett heading wide from their best opportunity.

Town continued to threaten after the interval, with half-time substitute Isaac Fletcher seeing two efforts blocked inside the box.

Cameron Gregory, making his debut after returning to the club where he began his career, had been largely untested in the Shrewsbury goal.

He was powerless to prevent Tranmere from breaking the deadlock, though, after a sloppy error at the back.

Isaac Lee’s weak pass towards a hesitant Lino Sousa was intercepted by David Kamara, who raced forward before finding Jones inside the area. The forward made no mistake with the finish.

Shrewsbury struggled to produce a meaningful response in the closing stages, leaving them to reflect on another frustrating outing on the road.

Town return to League Two action on Saturday when Colchester United visit Shropshire.