Shrewsbury thrash South Shields to reach FA Cup second round
League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town overcame high-flying non-league side South Shields to progress into the second round of the FA Cup.
The Shrews, third bottom in their division, made the difference of 28 places between the teams count - and stretched their unbeaten run to five games.
They did the damage in the first half, with three goals in 21 minutes, thanks to two from Anthony Scully - including a penalty - and a third from Tom Sang.
South Shields, second in National League North, pulled one back after the break, through Luke Woolston, but could not fashion a famous comeback in their attempt to reach round two for the first time in their history.
With only one defeat in 13 league games and undefeated at home, confidence was high for South Shields, and Cedwyn Scott slid a big chance just wide of the far post inside the first three minutes.
The EFL outfit had not threatened, but that changed when Caden Kelly was punished for a needless push on substitute Mal Benning.
Scully converted the penalty and scored his second goal when he stabbed home from close range after John Marquis' deflected cross landed perfectly for him for this third in two games.
The Irish midfielder almost completed his hat-trick only to be denied by Jasper Sheik's legs, but Sang was on hand to guide the rebound into the roof of the net.
South Shields stayed faithful to their passing game and on-loan Middlesbrough player Woolston's deflected effort looped beyond keeper Will Brook.
But Michael Appleton's side remained calm and could have added a fourth through Ismeal Kabia, as their season continues to improve after a wretched start.
South Shields have still never gone beyond the first round of the FA Cup
