Stockport County 1 Shrewsbury Town 0: Player ratings from Edgeley Park as Salop edged out

Jamal Blackman

Outstanding first-half save from Connolly's free header from a corner. Norwood's free-kick stunner was his side of the goal but hard to attach too much criticism. Made another good save in the second half from a corner to keep his side in it. 8

Toto Nsiala

Was given a tough afternoon against a couple of lively handfuls in skipper Wootton and Olaofe, who were also presences in the air. Dug in defensively and worked himself into ground on frustrating night. 7

Morgan Feeney

One particularly brave block in the first period kept out a shot from Touray and another around the hour to divert a Wootton strike wide of goal. Worrying scenes shortly after as defender was stretchered off following a collision and a delay of 10 minutes. 7

Josh Feeney

An education night for the Villa youngster against some seasoned and battle-hardened Football League stalwarts. Feeney was steady in Town's backline. 6

Alex Gilliead

Back on the right flank for the absent regular wing-back Luca Hoole. A different role and he used the ball smartly when possible against tough opposition. Worked hard and kept trying to get the ball forward. 6

Mal Benning

Stepped it up in the second period and was adventurous down the left flank at times. Helped create his side's best opening of the evening as Marquis was denied. 6

Dominic Gape

Among the pick of Town's performers in the first half on his debut. He hassled and harried to cover ground well and used the ball calmly. Faded a touch. Deserved his applause when substituted towards the end. 7

Funso Ojo

Booked for clumsy foul which led to Norwood's stunning free-kick goal, which was a shame because otherwise had worked hard. Nobody else closed Connolly down. Continued to battle in his side's midfield right until the end. 7

Jordan Shipley

Back in the side and worked hard but to little reward. Things would not drop his way in and around the box. Did keep going but lacked some precision on occasions. 6

George Lloyd

Game to work himself into the ground as ever. Felt like he had the rough end of one or two decisions and nothing that would quite fall his way on the evening. 6

John Marquis

Toiled away in the forward area and tried to drop deep to link play with colleagues in a bid to build moves but Town struggled to do so. Skipper's big moment came in second period, his side's big chance as Hinchliffe saved his diving header. 6

Substitutes: 

Taylor Perry (for M Feeney, 71) Another attacking body in a bid to help find a goal 6.

Callum Stewart (for Shipley, 83) Entered late to be a pest in penalty area n/a.

Harrison Biggins (for Gape, 90) n/a.

Subs not used: Savin, Biggins, Perry, Dinanga, Nurse, Stewart, Morris.