Shrewsbury down Scunthorpe to remain unbeaten

Posted Sunday, October 01, 2017 by PA

Strikers Stefan Payne and Carlton Morris were on target as unbeaten Sky Bet League One leaders Shrewsbury beat Scunthorpe 2-0.

Top scorer Payne broke the deadlock midway through the first half before Morris came off the bench to double the advantage in the closing stages.

Scunthorpe carried an early threat with home goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving an angled drive from Josh Morris and then pushing out a header from Rory McArdle.

Jon Nolan fired wide for Shrewsbury after a strong break from midfield before Paul Hurst's consistent table-toppers took the lead in the 24th minute.

James Bolton's header from Shaun Whalley's corner was blocked on the line and striker Payne reacted sharply to turn home the loose ball, only the fourth league goal conceded by Scunthorpe this season.

The visitors chased an equaliser in the second half, with Henderson keeping out a 25-yard free-kick from Morris before Paddy Madden fired over.

Shrewsbury were given some breathing space three minutes from time when substitute Morris, on loan from Norwich, raced clear to beat Matt Gilks as the leaders made it nine wins and two draws from 11 League One matches to remain four points clear at the top.