Report | Under-18s 3-0 Stockport County

The young Shrews faced Stockport in their second league game of 2026 at Shrewsbury Town Sports Village, returning to winning ways with a triumphant 3–0 victory over the Hatters.

The first half saw a midfield battle with few chances at either end. Will Hardeman saw a headed attempt rattle the crossbar 10 minutes in, followed shortly after by Hugo Aiston’s effort from a well-worked counterattack, which was saved by Stockport’s keeper.

Jeval Thompson-McKenzie opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, capitalising on a second cross from a corner and making easy work of the chance.

Stockport had a free-kick on the edge of the box in the dying moments of the first half, but Lewis Smart made a crucial save to keep Salop ahead going into the half-time break.

The second half saw Town start strongly, with Smart called into action again to save a free kick just a minute after the restart. Two chances then fell to Hardeman and Thompson-McKenzie, but neither could convert.

In the 62nd minute, Leon Hughes played a perfect ball from midfield to send Thompson-McKenzie through on goal, and he made no mistake, scoring his second and doubling Shrewsbury’s lead.

Moments later, Hughes had a shot deflected, before Hardeman went for the spectacular, sending an overhead kick just over the crossbar.

Soon after, Fin Tait broke through the defence and saw his effort ricochet off the post. Fortunately for Shrewsbury, the ball fell to captain Jay Snook, and the striker converted to make it 3–0.

Chances continued to come through Hugo Aiston, who, despite creating some excellent opportunities for himself, just couldn’t find the back of the net on the day.

This was the academy’s first win of 2026, and they will hope to capitalise on their form when travelling away to Walsall on Saturday, January 24. 

Starting XI: Smart (GK), Chaffatt, Valentine, Stretton, Hall, Hardeman, Aiston, Hughes, Snook, Tait, Thompson-McKenzie

Subs not used: Leon, Kameni.