Salop were beaten at home by Salford - on a day where the scoreline really didn't reflect the game.

Former Shrewsbury man Dan Udoh put the visitors ahead at the Croud Meadow.

But Town pulled level shortly after the interval with Sam Clucas netting his second goal in as many games after collecting a wonderful pass from Isaac England.

From that point, Michael Appleton's side played some brilliant stuff as they went in search of a winner.

But a late free-kick from Ben Woodburn and an even later Udoh rocket ended up winning it for Karl Robinson's side - with the result incredibly harsh on Town.

Team news:

Boss Appleton made one change from the team that impressed in the win at Barnet - with Elyh Harrison back after enjoying a spell away with England under-20s.

It meant the Manchester United loanee took over from Will Brook in goal with Salop otherwise sticking with the 3-4-3 system that worked so well at The Hive.

Sam Stubbs, Tom Anderson and Will Boyle made up the back three with Tom Sang and Clucas at wing-back.

Taylor Perry and Tommy McDermott were the midfield two with Ismeal Kabia, John Marquis and Brad Ihionvien a fluid front three.

Salford lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Salop favourite Udoh joining Cole Stockton in attack.

Report:

Town shaded what was an even opening 25 minutes at the Croud Meadow.

With the ball spending a lot of time in midfield, Marquis saw a shot blocked from a clever corner routine. The striker also fired over from the edge of the box.

But just before the half-hour mark, Salford got their noses in front with Udoh doing the damage.

After winning an initial header, the forward then latched onto a through ball from Kadeem Harris.

And he then lashed a strike at goal that had too much power for Harrison to keep out.

Town responded with Ihionvien trying to catch Matt Young out with a cheeky effort from 35 yards, which the keeper just about kept at bay.

From a Sang corner, Stubbs then saw a header loop over the bar.

It was in time added on at the end of the first half, though, where Town almost pulled level with what would have been the goal of the season.

Ihionvien produced an outrageous piece of skill to bring the ball down and flick it away from defenders.

And from 25 yards, the striker then unleashed an unstoppable strike that crashed against the bar before bouncing to safety.

Appleton made a change at the break with England replacing Marquis.

And that change proved instant dividends with England the architect of a brilliant equaliser in the 47th minute.

The academy graduate produced a magical clipped ball that found Clucas in the box.

And then did the rest with the former Stoke man powering a shot across goal that Young couldn't keep out. 

The goal led to Salop playing some sensational stuff.

Kabia darted into the box and unleashed a powerful strike that Young had to tip over the bar.

McDermott then let fly with a low drive from 18 yards that sailed millimetres past the post.

Salford hit back with Matt Butcher driving at goal before curling a strike that nestled on the roof of the net.

Shrewsbury had been the better side.

But in the 82nd minute, Salford got themselves in front again when Woodburn fired in a free-kick that was given right on the edge of the box.

Town pushed for an equaliser from that point.

But Udoh wrapped up the points for Salford with a brilliant finish late on.

Teams:

Shrewsbury: Harrison, Stubbs, Anderson, Boyle, Sang, McDermott (Stewart 89), Perry, Clucas, Kabia (Lloyd 77), Marquis (England 46), Ihionvien.

Subs not used: Brook, Hoole, Nsiala, Biggins.

Salford: Young, Rose, Grant, Stockton (Siri 77), Harris, Cooper (Oluwo 70), Butcher, Mnoga (Ashley 64), Cesay, Udoh, Garbutt.

Subs not used: Howard, Turton, Woodburn, Austerfield.

Attendance: 5,054 (229 away).