Town's starlets get their own cup fever

A stunning strike from Ethan Jones two minutes into the second half against Preston at North End's Springfields training ground clinched Town's place in the final.

Shrewsbury will face either Luton or Swindon, who meet in the southern area final on March 3.

Jones saw a low effort from long range well held by Preston keeper Callum Roberts in the first minute.

However, boss Ian Dawes was forced into an early change as Jordan Wilson went off injured after 14 minutes and George Hassall replaced him in attack.

Jones went close again in the 20th minute when his shot from the edge of the box was deflected over, before John McAtee's low effort was then tipped around the post.

Preston's best chance of the half fell to Jonathon Lunney, but his close-range shot was blocked.

Making the interception was Town defender Callum Roberts – who shares his name with the North End goalkeeper – after he was picked out by Freddie Tracey.

But it was Shrewsbury who broke the deadlock when striker Jones turned onto Jack Butts's cross on the edge of the box and rifled his shot into the top corner.

At the other end, Town keeper Charlie Bannister made a superb stop with his legs to deny substitute Oliver Crankshaw.

The on-loan Aston Villa youngster then parried away Melle Meulensteen's long-range strike. Preston piled on the pressure and Bannister made several good catches and punches in his area.

North End captain Sean Whelan also headed over from a corner at the far post with two minutes to go. But Town held on to book their place in the final, for which a date and venue still has to be confirmed.