James Collins goal sends Shrewsbury through to second round
James Collins' crisp finish ensured Shrewsbury came through a tricky FA Cup first-round tie at Gainsborough Trinity unscathed.
The visiting skipper struck in the 71st minute to break the National League North club's resistance, firing into the bottom corner on the edge of the box after being teed up by substitute Scott Vernon to seal a 1-0 win.
Aside from an early Abu Ogogo header, which flashed over from a corner, Trinity created much the better chances of an even first half.
Marc Newsham was only a couple of inches too high after being played in by Simon Russell in the 16th minute, while Nathan Jarman's near-post header from a corner flew into the crowd.
They went even closer in stoppage time, with Newsham stooping to meet Adam Drury's whipped cross and the ball looping back into play off the far post.
After the break, the League One visitors stepped up a gear and, helped by the direct running of substitute Shaun Whalley, they had more purpose to their attacking play.
Collins had already flashed an early opening across the face of goal but made no mistake with his late strike from the edge of the box, which nestled into the bottom corner and booked his side a place in round two.
Source: PA
