Baylee Dipepa gets his first professional goal but it's defeat this afternoon for the Valiants
The game initially got off to a quiet start with neither team threatening much within the opening five minutes.
A corner for the visitors was a well worked routine and a cross towards the back post was met by Daniel Udoh who put the ball in the back of the net, making it 1-0 to Shrewsbury.
The Valiants responded with a number of chances and 10 minutes later could have had a penalty as Nathan Smith was dragged down. The referee saw no foul however.
Soon after some sustained pressure saw the Vale’s best chances come in the last 15 minutes of the half.
Ben Garrity broke free from the Shrewsbury defence in the 31st minute, but he dragged his shot wide from a tight angle.
Moments later a corner saw Nathan Smith have a header saved from point blank range by Shrewsbury goalkeeper Marko Morosi.
James Wilson also broke free from the Shrewsbury defence but a poor shot was stopped by the Shrewsbury keeper and dribbled out for a corner.
The Vale actually did manage to have the ball in the back of the net on the stroke of half time, but a foul in the build up saw the goal ruled out.
The second half opened quietly but ten minutes in Shrewsbury extended their lead.
A cleared corner saw the ball bounce to Carl Winchester who lifted it over the Vale defense finding Tom Bloxham who scored from close range.
Similar to the first half however, the Valiants tried to respond almost straight away with Debrah, Tom Sang, and Wilson all having good efforts on goal in a ten minute period.
In the 68th minute a throw in, flicked on by Wilson, found Baylee Dipepa at the back post for an easy finish to make it 2-1. This was the youngster’s first goal in professional football.
The Vale continued to push and generate chances after this with Alex Mighten heading wide in the 77th minute after connecting with a long throw in.
In the 83rd minute Connor Ripley produced a superb defensive action as his rush out of goal prevented a golden opportunity for Shrewsbury to restore their lead to two goals.
Vale continued to put the pressure on but they found no luck as they fell to a defeat.
Port Vale | Connor Ripley, Dan Jones, Tom Sang, Nathan Smith, Ben Garrity, Funso Ojo, Conor Grant (Alex Mighten 57'), Gavin Massey (Baylee Dipepa 66'), Jensen Weir (Ethan Chislett 66'), Jesse Debrah, James Wilson
Unused Subs: Jayson Leutwiler, Jason Lowe, Alex Iacovitti, James Plant
Shrewsbury Town | Marko Marosi, Mal Benning, Morgan Feeney, Jason Sraha, Carl Winchester (Elliott Bennett 90'), Jack Hinchy (Taylor Perry 55'), Daniel Udoh, Tom Bloxham (Tunmise Sobowale 84'), Tom Bayliss, Chey Dunkley, Jordan Shipley
Unused Subs: Harry Burgoyne, Rayhaan Tulloch, Aiden O’Brien, Tom Flanagan
