The verdict: Brook’s heroics and the big positives from Shrewsbury Town’s season opener

Four penalty saves made Will Brook the obvious hero, but Shrewsbury Town’s season-opening display offered plenty more reasons for optimism.

Salop needed a hero and Brook answered the call, turning pressure into opportunity to give Shrewsbury the perfect start to their competitive campaign.

It took 16 penalties to finally settle an enthralling contest. Can it get more exciting than this? If the opening game of the new season is anything to go by, there is plenty to look forward to.

One thing is certain, though: Town, and boss Gavin Cowan in particular, will hope the road ahead is considerably more comfortable than a tense and nerve-jangling shoot-out.

There had been cautious optimism surrounding Shrewsbury heading into the new campaign. Cowan masterminded a remarkable revival last season, but Town do not boast the financial muscle of some of League Two’s big hitters - Salford included.

That did not deter them.

The fight, desire and energy demanded by Cowan were all on display. It was an encouraging first glimpse of what this new-look Town can offer.

Less than six months after their vital comeback win at Moor Lane during that revival, Salop were back in Greater Manchester to make more memories. It is proving quite the happy hunting ground for Cowan.

Of course, it is important to remain grounded. The campaign has barely begun. Yet it is difficult not to be encouraged by what was on show.

Shrewsbury went through the whole of last season without winning a penalty. They needed eight to get past Salford.

Five were missed by the hosts, with Brook saving four. The goalkeeper produced some outstanding stops and, crucially, delivered when the pressure was greatest.

Fittingly, Arkell Jude-Boyd struck the decisive penalty after an afternoon in which the wide man had impressed. It was another positive step following a strong pre-season.

Jude-Boyd and Kevin Berkoe were constant threats from the flanks, willing to take on their opponents and deliver dangerous balls into the box while showing equal commitment defensively. Exploiting those wide areas could become a defining feature of Cowan’s side.

The supply from midfield was encouraging, too, with Will Gray continuing to go from strength to strength. Just 17 and fresh from signing his first professional contract, Gray looked anything but overawed.

Tom Sang was equally impressive, coming closest in the first half with a curling effort that narrowly missed the post.

It had been a positive opening 45 minutes, with Brook equal to Salford’s attempts while Shrewsbury carried their own threat.

A major feature of Cowan’s revival last season was defensive resilience, and that remained evident. Against a side boasting dangerous attacking players, Town repeatedly frustrated the hosts.

Josh Ruffels demonstrated why retaining him was so important, looking composed defensively while also contributing going forward. Captain Will Boyle was equally commanding.

That defensive platform allowed Shrewsbury to take the lead early in the second half.

Josh Davison has endured a difficult few years in front of goal, but he will hope Saturday marked the beginning of a more productive chapter. Chances had been limited, but when one arrived, he took it emphatically.

Isaac Fletcher capitalised on hesitation in the Salford defence before the ball fell kindly to Davison. He made no mistake, firing low into the bottom corner.

Goals are what Shrewsbury have been searching for, and while they did not come in abundance, seeing their new striker find the net was another encouraging sign after his two goals in pre-season.

Then came the turning point.

Sam Stubbs’ second yellow card swung momentum heavily towards Salford. The defender appeared to win the ball first as he challenged for a forward pass, but the ferocity of the tackle left the referee with a decision to make - one with which the Shrewsbury dugout and players were certainly unhappy.

Salford seized their opportunity, Kyrell Malcolm reacting first after Brook punched clear from a corner to level the contest.

The hosts pushed on and the game descended into chaos, culminating in a wild altercation in the closing stages involving assistant Dave Edwards and resulting in Salford’s Will Aimson also being sent off.

And so it went to penalties.

Brook denied Town hero Daniel Udoh and three other Salford takers. He was simply outstanding.

Shrewsbury march on into the second round, where the prospect of facing a Premier League opponent now awaits.

So, in short, it was just the start. But if this was an early indication of what is to come, there is plenty to be positive about.