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.
9. Mitch Pinnock
Another quiet Sixfields afternoon for Pinnock, who was hustled out of the game and given no time at all on the few occasions he got hold of the ball... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Sam Hoskins
The top-scorer never got a sniff of goal throughout the 90 minutes. As always, he worked his socks off for the cause, but for once it was all perspiration and little inspiration... 5 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Kieron Bowie
A mixed bag from the Scot, who was comfortably the most lively Town attacker, but too often, and when in good positions, his final ball let him down. Ran himself into the ground... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Tyreece Simpson
The big centre forward has been a revelation in recent weeks, but he was nowhere near his best on Saturday, Like a lot of his team-mates, he looked tired... 5 Photo: Pete Norton