Shrewsbury go top with narrow victory in their 3,000th Football League game

Posted Sunday, September 10, 2017 by PA

Shrewsbury climbed to the top of League One as Stefan Payne's first-half goal proved enough to beat Wigan 1-0 in the club's 3,000th Football League match.

Wigan started brightly and home goalkeeper Dean Henderson had to come racing out to block an early effort from Nick Powell. Michael Jacobs then powered forward and fired a shot into the side netting.

But Shrewsbury gradually settled and almost took the lead when Shaun Whalley's clever curling effort from the edge of the penalty area was flicked on to the top of the bar by goalkeeper Jamie Jones.

Shrewsbury broke the deadlock in the 26th minute as James Bolton's cross from the right was headed down by Toto Nsiala and Payne rifled a close range shot into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

Alex Rodman then drilled a shot from 20 yards just over the bar for Paul Hurst's hard-working side.

Wigan chased an equaliser in the second half and Ivan Toney headed against the outside of the near post before a late free-kick from Gary Roberts was kept out by Henderson.

But Shrewsbury defended well to make it five wins and a draw from their six league games this season.