Burton Albion FC 1 - 0 Shrewsbury Town - Taft's maiden strike sinks Shrews

George Taft scored the first goal of his career to clinch a 1-0 win for Burton over promotion rivals Shrewsbury.

The young defender struck on the hour-mark to end Shrewsbury's run of five successive clean sheets.

Burton's Jon McLaughlin was the busier of the two goalkeepers as the visitors controlled the first half.

He was tested by two James Collins headers in the early stages and also covered his near post well to keep out Bobby Grant's shot.

The hosts offered little in the way of attacking threat until Matt Palmer's 30-yard free-kick forced Shrews keeper Jayson Leutwiler into a sprawling save in the 43rd minute.

Leutwiler also had to punch another Palmer free-kick to safety early in the second half.

Burton broke the deadlock when Palmer's corner fell for Taft to steer in a half-volley from 12 yards.

Kelvin Maynard twice went close to increasing Burton's lead, first shooting narrowly wide and then hitting the legs of Leutwiler, but Mickey Demetriou wasted a great chance to rescue a point for the visitors when he fired over from 10 yards.