Paul Hurst delighted after dream start for Shrewsbury

Substitute and summer signing Lenell John-Lewis was the hero in the 93rd minute, turning in the impressive Alex Rodman's cross to launch pandemonium at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

Town were without an opening day victory since 2010 but that record was deservedly put to bed as Shrewsbury finally netted the goal they deserved after an eye-catching display against the Cobblers.

"That's what we've been missing that's what we've been talking about," said Hurst.

"It was obviously a dream ending for ourselves but just the feeling before the game - I was very relaxed in honesty.

"Going in the dressing room at quarter to three after the warm-up you think 'this is it', there's a different feel to it.

"We started very well so I was quite relaxed and you wonder if you're going to get your rewards.

"The second-half was a bit scrappier which I think suited Northampton more than ourselves, but overall we were worthy of the win albeit we had to wait a long time."

John-Lewis came from the bench 12 minutes from time to replace fellow debutant Carlton Morris - the Norwich loanee had ran himself into the ground.

And the 28-year-old slid in his finish confidently to announce himself to his new fans

A delighted Hurst added: "We put him on to run around, hold the ball up and be a presence which I think he was. He won a couple of good headers and lay-offs and then he got his goal.

"He's one of those in training that gets so frustrated, he seems to have a habit of having a lot of shots hit the post or whistle past the post - but when it matters he's produced, I'm delighted for him.

"We've worked extremely hard to get to this point, I'm not getting carried away with that, but it's great to get those three points on the board.

"It almost justifies the work they've had to pyut in. We said that at half-time, we felt we had slightly better energy levels.

"The goal at the end, the move, the forward run and Lenny's there to tuck it away."