Albion's reserves went down to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Shrewsbury Town at the Pirelli Stadium this evening.

All the goals came in the second half, new loan signing for the Shrews, Jamie Cureton setting them on their way nine minutes after the break. Further goals from Kris Bright and Andre Grey sealed the victory.

The Brewers named a side mixed with first team players in need of match fitness, youth team players and triallists. On trial for Albion this evening are Ryan Connor a young defender from Stoke City. Aaron Mitchell, a centre half released by Nottingham Forest and Danny Miley, a young defender from Bedworth United who has trialled with League 2 rivals Crewe Alexandra in search of a League career.

The Shrews named a strong line-up including new loan signing Jamie Cureton from Norwich City and recent signing Benjamin Van Den Broek from Holland. There were also starting spots for New Zealand striker Kris Bright along with fellow first team squad members, Jake Simpson, son of manager Paul, and Jake Robinson.

Albion had the first real sight of goal in the tenth minute as Gilroy, drifting into the middle rolled the ball into the path of Greg Pearson but his shot was blocked by Chris Neal in the Shrewsbury goal who raced out to close down the striker. Pearson was almost in again just after the quarter of an hour mark when Danny Miley found him with a raking ball out of defence but having shown good control with his first touch, his second let him down and the ball ran away from him for a goal kick.

Shrewsbury played some good passing football at a good tempo and they were close to testing Kevin Poole in the 28th minute. Jamie Cureton hooked the ball forward and Jake Robinson seemed to be clear for a run in on goal but a good recovering challenge from Richard Jackson meant that Poole was not even required to extend himself.

Shrewsbury were almost in front in the 34th minute through some Albion misfortune. Triallist Aaron Mitchell looked in little danger inside his own penalty area but put a little too much weight onto his attempted pass back to Kevin Poole and both were relieved to see the ball roll wide of the post.

Jake Simpson was the first player to go in referee Darren Handley's notebook after a rash challenge on Greg Pearson with Albion not able to capitalise on the free kick that followed.

Cureton showed his experience and class in the 38th minute to create an opportunity for himself but with Poole at full stretch the much travelled striker watched his snapshot fly wide of the post. The on loan hitman was closer still two minutes later as Kris Bright headed a cross back into the middle from beyond the far post and Cureton swivelled to fire a shot at Poole that the veteran keeper saved at the second attempt.

Alex Monk had two efforts blocked on the edge of the box but the Brewers were closer as the first half drew to a close as Ryan Connor played in former Stoke team mate Jimmy Philliips who cut inside and curled a right foot shot wide of the post with Chris Neal anxiously making sure his post was covered.

Half time - Burton Albion reserves 0 - 0 Shrewsbury Town reserves

Albion had to make a change at the start of the second half with Ben Turner replacing Richard Jackson, the full back aggrivating the groin injury he sustained last month. After a bright start to the second period for the Brewers it was the visitors who grabbed the lead in the 54th minute. A cross from the right was not effectively cleared and Cureton slipped hjis marker to steer a right foot shot inside the post. It was the new loan signing's last action as he was substituted by Andre Grey moments later.

The Brewers had muted appeals for a penalty in the 64th minute as Keith Gilroy's shot hit defender Danny Taylor but referee Handley gave a corner rather than a handball decision and Jimmy Phillips had Neal stretching from the corner with a shot towards the top corner from the edge of the box.

Ryan Connor became the second player of the night to see yellow, the Stoke City youngster overstretching for the ball in the centre circle and catching Kris Bright with his studs.

Gilroy again had a chance coming in from the right on 72 minutes driving a well hit shot at Neal who parried with the winger not quite able to get to the loose ball for a second opportunity.

A minute later and Shrewsbury doubled their advantage through New Zealander Bright. The striker found himself with only the keeper to beat after latching onto a back pass and after putting Poole onto the ground with a neat turn he poked the ball into the empty net. Two became three two minutes later as the lively Van Den Broek worked an opportunity for substitute Andre Grey and he found the back of the net after a strong run and a big deflection that took the ball into the bottom corner of Kevin Poole's goal.

To their credit Albion did not give up the fight and Greg Pearson saw a thunderous shot blocked in the box whilst Jimmy Phillips saw a shot land safely in the hands of Chris Neal.

Alex Monk rattled the Shrews crossbar in the 84th minute as Albion again went close to getting themselves on the scoresheet.

Albion: Kevin Poole, Richard Jackson, Kevin Grocott, Ryan Connor, Aaron Mitchell, Danny Miley, Alex Monk, Jimmy Phillips, Richard Walker, Greg Pearson, Keith Gilroy. Substitutes: Ben Turner (for Jackson, 46), Danny Marsh, Mathew Blake, Benn  Minshull, James Knowles.

Shrewsbury: Chris Neal, Dean Holden, Danny Taylor, Paul Murray, Harry Hooman, Connor Goldson, Jake Robinson, Jake Simpson, Kris Bright, Jamie Cureton, Benjamin Van Den Broek. Substitutes: Josh Evans, Hakan Duyan, Jon Taylor, Will Richards (for Simpson, 59), Andre Grey (for Cureton, 56).

Referee: Mr. D.Handley