Altrincham 1 Shrewsbury Town 2

Victory at Altrincham was one final chance for Town to practice their lines and they didn't forget them.

Controlled and composed Micky Mellon's men go into the new League Two season with promising purpose.

Jordan Clark's leveller – which cancelled out Nicky Clee's penalty – hauled Town level in the first half.

Scott Vernon's fourth goal of a productive pre-season put them in front during an impressive outing, albeit against Conference newboys.

They go to AFC Wimbledon next Saturday after Mellon paired James Collins with Scott Vernon together at Moss Road.

The smart money would be on the duo being Town's first-choice front pairing next weekend and there were promising signs.

Collins set up Vernon to fire Town ahead and there was enough to suggest the chances would be flow and it is up to them to cash in.

Ashley Vincent and Clark proved they are able to supply the ammunition and if Shrewsbury can find a little more killer instinct they will banish any memories of the goal worries of last season.

With Andy Mangan and the injured Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, sidelined with a groin injury, in reserve there are plenty of options.

And last night Shrewsbury's extra quality on the ball was evident but, like Tuesday's draw at Kidderminster, they were guilty of lacking the killer touch.

Slick build-up saw wingers Clark and Ashley Vincent in space but Altrincham's massed ranks managed to close the space.

Scott Vernon – who had recovered from a bug after missing the game at Aggborough – shot straight at Stuart Coburn from 20-yards

The striker, who signed from Aberdeen in the summer, impressed as he often dropped deep to receive the ball and gave Town a focal point.

The visitors dominated the opening 30 minutes with Jason Leutwiler a virtual spectator as Town's fluidity caused ragged Altrincham problems.

Vernon headed Vincent's cross straight at Coburn – when he should have done better – but it was another example of Shrewsbury's growing threat.

And Coburn kept Altrincham level on 30 minutes with a fine stop after Shrewsbury had again picked their hosts apart.

He turned Clark's sharp low volley over after Ryan Woods' shot was blocked as Town kept knocking.

But seconds later the hosts lead when Leutwiler hauled down Gillespie after the striker had beaten him to a bouncing ball.

The initial challenge looked outside the box but Clee fired high into the net, sending Leutwiler the wrong way.

Three minutes later Shrewsbury should have levelled when Collins was sent clean through but, with Vernon up in support, the striker could only shoot straight at Coburn.

The goal had breathed life into previously suppressed Altrincham who began to find space in the Shrewsbury defence where, previously, there was none.

Vernon was the pick of the bunch for Shrewsbury though and his quick turn and shot deflected wide before Town deservedly levelled.

A deep cross fell to Clark and, despite his first effort being brilliantly saved by Coburn, the winger followed up to roll under the keeper.

It was rewards for a half which, aside for five minutes following Clee's goal, Town bossed, although they nearly went into the break behind.

Gillespie latched onto a favourable bounce of the ball to arrow towards goal but Leutwiler tipped his 18-yard drive wide.

Altrincham emerged with renewed purpose and Leutwiler pushed Kyle Perry's header wide after the former Chasetown striker replaced Gillespie at the interval.

Town were still the more controlled but the Conference side were more robust before a raft of changes upset their rhythm.

And Vernon cashed in on 63 minutes when he netted from close range after Collins flicked on James Caton's cross.

It was further proof of a blossoming partnership and Mangan was given his chance to further his cause when he replaced Collins soon after.

Shrewsbury were in cruise control but allowed Ryan Crowther to swap passes with Damian Reeves and shoot wide in a reminder the Robins were still in touching distance.

Town substitute Andy Robinson nearly sealed the game with 14 minutes left when he chipped over with Coburn in no man's land following a poor clearance.

But Shrewsbury kept allowing Altrincham chances and only a smart low stop from Leutwiler denied Reeves the equaliser with 10 minutes left.