Tuesday night, Shrewsbury Town defeated Walsall 3-2 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, with Elliot Thorpe, a midfielder for Luton, playing the full ninety minutes for the first time in his career.
The 22-year-old had relocated to the Croud Meadow at the beginning of the season, but he had to miss some time due to a back ailment that occurred in mid-August.
Thorpe returned as a late substitute in the 3-2 FA Cup victory over Colchester United earlier this month, but he was picked in the starting lineup for the midweek match. Thorpe last participated in a full game in October 2022 while on loan from Town at Burton Albion.
Danny Johnson’s excellent lobbed finish gave the Shrews an early lead, but Town steadily increased their lead through driving into the bottom corner by Daniel Udoh.
When Thorpe was taken down on the edge of the box, Mal Benning scored a free kick into the top corner to make it 2-1 for the home team.
Just four minutes remained in the half when Ryan Bowman headed home to increase the advantage for Walsall after Nana Owusu tripped Joe Foulkes. However, home custodian Harry Burgoyne made a great save to save the penalty.
Saddlers set up set up a nervy last 10 minutes when Isaac Hutchinson pulled one back although Shrewsbury held on, as manager and ex-Hatter Matt Taylor, said: “We are starting to get players back in and around the squad.
“A competition is beginning to develop.
“In my opinion, we are currently in a favourable position with regard to Saturday.”
After a difficult few months away from the pitch, Thorpe himself tweeted: “Great feeling being back on the pitch.”
“A lot of good things to take away from the game in 90 minutes!”
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