Glorious beginnings

Shrewsbury Town got off to a promising start with a convincing 3-1 win against league newcomers Burton Albion at the Prostar Stadium yesterday.

A large travelling contingent saw their debutant goalkeeper Shane Redmond, on loan from Nottingham Forest; make a couple of major errors to gift the home side a deserved win.

Simmo played an adventurous 4-3-3 formation from the beginning and handed a surprise start to Dave Hibbert after new signing Kris Bright was not granted international clearance to play after his recent move from Greek side Panserraikos. The tactical gamble paid off and Town began the game playing fast, attractive and refreshingly hungry football.

New signings Nathan Elder and Jake Robinson looked energetic as they troubled the Burton defence with a mixture of Elder`s bustle and Robinsons pace. Elder managed to withstand numerous elbows from the Burton defence that the referee consistently ignored all game.

It was Robinson that ruined the Burton party early on as his shot was bundled into the net by the Brewers goalkeeper, cue Elder and Robinson performing a celebratory dance that is sure to be perfected sooner rather than later.

Big Hibbo took full advantage of his opportunity to net his first goal since September with a fine header from a Kevin McIntyre cross in the 49th minute and boy did he celebrate, just stopping himself from ripping off his shirt. Hibbert worked hard throughout the game and received a thoroughly deserved standing ovation when substituted for Jake Simpson an hour into the match.

Town gaffer Paul Simpson was pleased with Hibbert`s performance and told the official website: “He worked his socks off today. He used his physique well and it was a fantastic goal.”

Burton remained well organised and wanted to take some positive points from their premier trip to Salop. Greg Pearson saw his 62nd minute shot deflected over Town keeper Chris Neal to secure the Brewers historic first league goal.

The Albion fans suddenly felt that this could be their time and attempted to suck in an unlikely equaliser in the ensuing period of Burton pressure. Former Town goal-scorer Richard Walker thought he had levelled the match with ten minutes to go, only for the linesman to finally lift his flag to the relief of the home support. The Burton followers suffered from a serious case of blind delirium and continued to celebrate their ‘equaliser` for a good thirty seconds before sheepishly sitting back down.

Burton goalkeeper Shane Redmond`s day was about to get worse when he fumbled Joss Labadie`s harmless free-kick into the net destroying his side`s chances of a memorable comeback.

The on loan midfielder impressed throughout the match adding much needed stability and bite to the centre of Town`s pack. Hopefully the West Brom youngster will see his loan deal extended beyond the initial month.

It was a very pleasing start to the season by Town and we all hope that this form continues on Tuesday against Ipswich in the Carling Cup. Simpson knows there is a long way to go but understood the importance of an opening day win, he told the official website: “We`ve got 45 more games to go, we`ve had a nice day today but it doesn`t mean we can relax.”