Checkatrade Tropy Quarter Final: Shrewsbury Town 2 Oldham 1 - Report and pictures

Paul Hurst's charges made a perfect start against their League One rivals as Stefan Payne put them ahead a mere 16 seconds into the Montgomery Waters Meadow clash.

Aaron Holloway levelled for the visitors in the second period but substitute Alex Rodman netted right at the death to eliminate the prospect of a penalty shootout, and send Salop into the final four of the competition.

Town made five changes to the side that started Saturday's 2-2 league draw with Doncaster Rovers.

Coming into the side were Omar Beckles, James Bolton, Arthur Gnahoua, Bryn Morris and top goalscorer Payne.

Luke Hendrie, Carlton Morris, Rodman and the suspended duo Ben Godfrey and Abu Ogogo, were those who dropped out.

Payne was aiming to get back among the goals following seven games without one. And he ended his drought in emphatic fashion.

Right after kick-off, Gnahoua found space on the right-hand side and his low cross found Payne, who swept the ball into the bottom corner. He is now on 11 goals across all competitions and that strike is the eighth fastest in the club's history.

John Clowes' goal after 10 seconds against Reading in 1953 is their fastest ever.

Salop were finding a lot of space. Oldham were not pressing at a particularly high speed - they seemed tired.

Gnahoua looked to go from provider to scorer, with his left-footed drive just about being gathered by Johnny Placide.

Bryn Morris also tried his luck from distance, blasting just over the crossbar from 25 yards out. Somewhat surprisingly, given how well he strikes the ball, he is yet to score for Town.

As the half hour mark approached, though, the visitors were having a lot more possession.

Jack Byrne flashed an effort wide, as did former Wolves striker Craig Davies - following a good run and pass by Byrne, who was the one pulling the strings in midfield for Oldham.

The duo each had another go a few minutes later, both forcing saves from Salop shot-stopper Dean Henderson.

On the verge of half time, the pace of the game slowed down significantly - Gnahoua's curling attempt, which went a few yards past the post, being the last notable piece of action before the break.

The Latics made a change for the start of the second period, bringing on Ryan McLaughlin for the ineffective Mohamed Maouche, which almost started the same as the first half.

Gnahoua once again burst down the flank and crossed to Payne, who failed to connect with his head after losing his marker.

After arriving from Kidderminster Harriers last summer, Gnahoua has found game time hard to come by. He was making the most of this opportunity, though, operating in the No.10 role - dribbling past Oldham defenders with ease.

A fancy flick from him helped create a great chance for Town. Max Lowe was the one who latched onto it, crossing deep for Shaun Whalley to tee up Jon Nolan whose shot brushed the side netting.

The home fans thought he had found the top corner. The away side made another switch, introducing Cameron Dummigan for Tom Hamer, in an attempt to swing things in their favour before the hour mark.

Salop soon made their first substitution too. Gnahoua, who had been their most dangerous player going forward, made way for Louis Dodds.

And right after that, the Latics equalised. Town failed to clear the lines after a ball into the box and it fell to Holloway, who made no mistake from six yards out.

Henderson then had to make a fine stop to keep out Dan Gardner's fierce effort, with some of the home supporters voicing their frustrations.

Salop let their standards slip and Hurst felt the need to make a second change, bringing on Rodman for Lowe.

But Oldham still appeared more confident. Buoyed by the leveller, Byrne's scorcher required Henderson to be at his best - saving with his fingertips.

Richie Wellens' side made a final switch, with Courtney Duffus entering the fray in place of Holloway.

And just as the game seemed set to go to penalties, Rodman struck. Beckles and Nolan linked up superbly before the winger took time to set himself and picked out the bottom corner with pinpoint precision.

Teams

Shrewsbury (4-4-1-1): Henderson; Bolton, Sadler (c), Nsiala, Beckles; Whalley, B Morris, Nolan, Lowe (Rodman, 72); Gnahoua (Dodds, 63); Payne (John-Lewis, 89)

Subs: Riley, C Morris, McAtee, MacGillivray (gk)

Oldham (4-4-2): Placide; Hamer (Dummigan, 57), Bryan, Edmundson, Wilson; Pringle, Byrne, Maouche (McLaughlin, 46), Gardner; Davies (c), Holloway (Duffus, 83)

Subs: Benyu, Nepomuceno, Obadeyi, De La Paz (gk)

Attendance: 1,984 (269 Oldham)

Referee: Darren Handley (Lancashire)