Aaron Pierre celebrates scoring Shrewsbury's opening goal against BirminghamImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Aaron Pierre (left) celebrates scoring Shrewsbury Town's opening goal against Birmingham City

Gareth Ainsworth guided Shrewsbury Town to a home win over League One promotion hopefuls Birmingham City in his first match in charge.

The home side took the lead on the half-hour when Aaron Pierre drilled the ball in from close range, following a set-piece.

Shrewsbury then doubled their lead in the 37th minute when on-loan Leo Castledine’s deflected shot found striker John Marquis at the back post to tap in.

Blues pulled one back just before the break through a composed finish from Tomoki Iwata into the bottom corner - the midfielder's sixth goal of the season.

But the hosts restored their two-goal cushion just before the hour when Marquis picked up a long ball and drove towards goal, laying a pass off to Tom Bloxham, who bundled a finish in from close range.

City then got back in the game with 14 minutes left when referee Sunny Gill pointed to the spot after a handball by Jordan Rossiter - and Blues top scorer Jay Stansfield converted.

Stansfield then went close to a second after some neat build-up play, but home keeper Toby Savin was equal to his effort and Shrewsbury saw it out for only their third league win of the season.

Report supplied by PA Media.