John Marquis’ brace helped struggling Shrewsbury to a shock 2-1 win over cross-border rivals Wrexham at Croud Meadow.
The veteran striker struck in the 17th and 48th minutes – hitting the second after having a penalty saved – to secure victory for the Shrews after top-flight Wrexham equalized through Steven Fletcher.
Shrewsbury’s win lifted them to 21st in League One, five points adrift of safety, while third-placed Wrexham missed out on a chance to go top.
The hosts broke the deadlock with Marquis’ thunderous strike from inside the box, but Fletcher equalized six minutes later when he headed in at the back post from Ryan Barnett’s cross.
Shrewsbury had a chance to restore the lead just before half-time when Mal Benning put George Lloyd through at the near post, but he headed wide.
Wrexham also went close a few minutes later from Ollie Rathbone’s header, but that too was whistled away.
Shrewsbury went back in front after winning a penalty three minutes into the second half when Lloyd was brought down by Eoghan O’Connell.
Marquis saw his shot blocked by Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, but the striker cleared the rebound.
Wrexham came close to equalizing late on when Paul Mullin’s close-range shot cleared Toto Nsial off the line.
Marquis almost completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, but he shot wide.
