There was no doubting the physical effort of the players at Sixfields, but too many of the Town team were way below their best, and the Shrews, under new manager Paul Hurst, took full advantage to claim a fully deserved win.
Second-half goals from Dan Udoh and Chey Dunkley ensured the Shrews claimed a win double over the Cobblers, having also won 1-0 at Croud Meadow back in October.
Here are Jeremy Casey’s player ratings from Saturday’s clash at Sixfields.
5. Jon Guthrie
The skipper, like many of his team-mates, was strangely out of sorts. Not a lot of protection in front of him, but stood off the Shrews attackers too often... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Patrick Brough
A very quiet afternooon from the left-back, who stuck to his defensive tasks but didn't contribute anything at all going forward... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Marc Leonard
The midfielder was neat and tidy on the ball, but played too deep to have any meaningful impact on the game. Spent a lot of the first half standing alongside Guthrie and Willis... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Will Hondermarck
Brought into the side to replace the injured Shaun McWilliams, Hondermarck's effort can't be questioned, but he struggled to live with a physical and lively Shrews side... 5 Photo: Pete Norton