Town and Rovers both lost 2-1 in their opening league games last weekend and were both looking to bounce back after disappointing results.
The scoresheet was opened when Abu Ogogo’s shot rebounded into James Collin’s path and it was tucked in. Town skipper Liam Lawrence returned after being absent last weekend, and handed Rovers a goal after slotting it in his own net.
That blunder was quickly cancelled out when Barnett restored Town’s lead. Bowyer’s side started to become a little anxious after the break but slowly started to grind Town down; multiple Town players started to pick up yellow cards due to tired tackles.
Towards the end the game became a little scrappy. Rovers were desperate not to replicate last seasons Cup run where they lost to Scunthorpe in the first round.
Micky Mellon’s side closed the game out comfortably and the League One side will be happy they have bounced back after an unfortunate defeat to Millwall.
Bowyer handed a debut to Swansea loanee, Modou Barrow, who took to his temporary surroundings well and added a different dynamic to Blackburn’s attack.
Fellow newbie Bangaly-Fode Koita came on in the second half and alongside Barrow and started to worry the Town back four.
Mellon only made one change to his starting line-up which was the introduction of Lawrence.
Shrewsbury Town’s cup run in this competition last season was pretty special: they defeated Blackpool, Leicester, Norwich but failed to beat Premier League winners Chelsea. A Jermaine Grandison own goal separated the two sides on the night after a Didier Drogba opener and a Andy Mangan equaliser.
Town fans will be looking to re-live the moments experienced last season and are now one step closer. Who knows who they could be facing in the next round!
