Hartlepool United v Shrewsbury Town, 02 September 2000

After only one point and two goals from their first four games, Shrewsbury sprung the surprise of the weekend with three points at one of last term's strongest home outfits. Hartlepool won 16 League games at Victoria Park during 1999-2000, but the Shrews summoned up the spirit that saved their FL status in a last day win at Exeter to raise hopes that they won't have to go through the same horrors again. Veteran striker Nigel Jemson - with his 12th League club - was the inspiration, and he set Town on their way midway through the first half. He read a defensive back header to skip round a stranded Martin Hollund. Former Sunderland winger Sam Aiston's jinking run was ended by Chris Westwood's clumsy challenge for Jemson to send Hollund the wrong way from the penalty spot. Pool looked back in it when Sam Shilton's 25 yarder was deflected in off Tony Lormor's back but the battling visitors were not to be denied. In the last minute, Mickey Brown steered Iain Jenkins' right wing cross into the roof of the net.