Shrewsbury Town finished their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 win over a Villa XI at the Croud Meadow. Josh Davison scored twice in the first half, with Isaac Fletcher adding a sensational strike from 25 yards to seal victory.

Manager Gavin Cowan's side have completed seven friendlies ahead of the 2026/27 season. Competitive action begins next weekend.

How the Match Unfolded

Town made a strong start. George Lloyd released a clever chance in the opening three minutes when he was found down the right by Davison, but his low cross was blocked by Villa's defence.

Shrewsbury took the lead in the eighth minute. Arkell Jude-Boyd's cross found Lloyd with a superb header, but Villa goalkeeper Blade Earley made an outstanding save. Davison reacted quickest to nod home the rebound.

Seven minutes later, Davison doubled his tally. Tom Sang delivered an excellent cross from the right, and Davison powered a magnificent header past Earley to make it 2-0.

Town continued to press. Sang's free-kick drifted narrowly wide as Salop hunted a third goal. Villa pulled one back in unfortunate circumstances when Will Boyle's backpass caught goalkeeper Sam Proctor out, and the ball rolled under his foot and into the net.

Ben Broggio had a chance to level further when he went around Proctor following a ball over the top, but he was forced wide and fired into the side-netting.

Town responded. Kevin Berkoe's cross found Jude-Boyd with a firm header, but Earley made another smart save. Proctor also produced an excellent stop with his feet to deny Villa's Jamaldeen Jimoh-Junior.

Fletcher sealed victory with a sensational strike from 25 yards that proved unstoppable.

Team Lineups

Cowan selected a 3-5-2 formation. Sam Proctor started in goal with Isaac Lee, Will Boyle and Josh Ruffels in defence. Arkell Jude-Boyd and Kevin Berkoe operated as wing-backs, with Will Gray, Tom Sang and Jay Turner-Cooke in midfield. Josh Davison and George Lloyd led the attack.

Villa's XI included several young talents from the club, among them former Salop loanee Tommi O'Reilly. The visitors also fielded Jamaldeen Jimoh-Junior and Samuel Iling-Junior, both of whom have featured for West Brom in the Championship.