John Marquis (left) celebrates his goal for Shrewsbury Town against WrexhamGetty Images

John Marquis scored his fifth and sixth League One goals of the season against Wrexham

John Marquis struck a goal in each half as struggling Shrewsbury Town won the League One cross-border derby with high-flying Wrexham.

Shrewsbury took the lead after 16 minutes when George Lloyd pinched the ball in the Wrexham half before finding Marquis, who rifled his shot past Arthur Okonkwo.

Wrexham were behind for just seven minutes before in-form Steven Fletcher levelled, heading home Shrewsbury old boy Ryan Barnett's pinpoint cross for his fifth goal in seven matches.

Lloyd almost restored the hosts' lead with a header on 45 minutes before, down the other end, Ollie Rathbone also went close.

Shrewsbury started the second half on top, as they had done the first, and it was Lloyd who again played a pivotal role when, following a sloppy interchange, he drew a foul from defender Eoghan O'Connell to win a penalty.

Marquis was denied with his initial attempt, but made no mistake with the rebound when it fell kindly to him.

The Welsh side were almost level for a second time with 10 minutes to play, when another excellent cross from Barnett was met by substitute Paul Mullin, but two fine blocks and a Jamal Blackman save later, the danger was averted.

Shrewsbury move up to 21st with victory, within five points of safety, having taken another big home scalp in Wrexham, just as they did when they raised their game to beat Birmingham City in boss Gareth Ainsworth's first game in charge, but they also prevented their border rivals from going top of League One.

Instead Wrexham remain third, two points behind leaders Birmingham, having now played three more games than Blues.

'We had a plan... it worked' - reaction

Shrewsbury Town head coach Gareth Ainsworth told BBC Radio Shropshire:

"It was absolutely phenomenal. The work-rate, the changes, the way the week has been. For those boys to put that performance in tells me we have every chance of staying in this league.

"That was a phenomenal shift from everyone, epitomised by the front two. They never stopped running.

"John deserves his two goals and Lloyd his man of the match award.

"We had a plan in place. It worked well, and I'm really pleased."

Shrewsbury beat Wrexham

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Radio Wales:

"We've handed them two goals with two mistakes. When you give a team in a frenetic derby atmosphere two huge lifts it gives them something to hold onto.

"We've scored and got back in the game and then the sloppy moment costs us the penalty.

"This season we've been solid and secure in our defensive display.

"We spoke before the game about making sure the basics were in place, and it has cost us by making those mistakes."

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