Shrewsbury hit back from two goals down to beat shellshocked Stoke in FA Cup third-round replay

Shrewsbury celebrate their dramatic comeback
Shrewsbury celebrate their dramatic comeback Credit: getty images
  • Stoke City 2 Shrewsbury Town 3

Shrewsbury Town manager Sam Ricketts is facing a reunion with Wolverhampton Wanderers after a remarkable comeback completed a miserable home debut for counterpart Nathan Jones.

Josh Laurent’s 81st-minute goal secured a notable triumph for the League One side as they responded from two goals down to continue Stoke’s frustrating season.

Jones, the new Stoke manager, appeared on course for a stress-free evening after young striker Tyrese Campbell, the son of ex-Arsenal forward Kevin, marked his first senior start with two fine goals.

Shrewsbury were booed off at half-time by their 1,656 fans yet produced an unexpected second-half performance to set up a home date with Wolves later this month. It is only the fifth time in 30 years that they will compete in the FA Cup fourth round.

Tyrese Campbell celebrates putting Stoke in front 
Tyrese Campbell celebrates putting Stoke in front  Credit: getty images

Ricketts played for Wolves for two years and said: “Everybody thought the game was probably over at half-time and that played into our hands. The first goal gave us belief and then we picked up the tempo. Wolves is a great game for everyone and it will be something to look forward to.”

Jones, who lost at Brentford in his opening game, will be acutely aware of the task ahead after Stoke’s defence capitulated in 10 crazy minutes after Campbell claimed two predatory finishes.

Shrewsbury’s turnaround began with their first shot on target, a rising shot into the far corner from James Bolton. They were level in the 77th minute after Sam Clucas fouled Laurent in the area, with Fejiri Okenabirhie putting away the penalty. The superb comeback was complete when unmarked Laurent slid the ball in from four yards.

“Our defensive discipline was alarming,” admitted Jones.

Team details

Stoke (4-3-1-2): Federici; Bauer, Williams, Martin Indi, Tymon; Etebo, Adam (Afobe 82), Clucas; Ince; Campbell (McClean 72), Crouch.
Substitutes: Haugaard (g), Berahino, Edwards, Souttar, Woods.
Booked: Etebo, Adam.

Shrewsbury (4-5-1): Arnold; Bolton, Waterfall, Sadler, Haynes; Gilliead (Angol 90), Laurent, Grant, Docherty, Okenabirhie (Eisa 88); Amadi-Holloway (Beckles half-time).
Substitutes: Agius (g), Emmanuel, Sears, Rowland.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham (Durham)

License this content