Martin Paterson scored a clinical hat-trick as City's reserves claimed their first win of the season in emphatic fashion at Gay Meadow.

The 19-year-old striker pressed forward his claims for a first-team berth with an all star show, which also saw him set up Adam Rooney's first goal of the campaign.

The Potters fielded an experienced side with the likes of Sam Bangoura, Kevin Harper and Jeff Whitley all coming through ninety minutes unscathed.

It was back to the walls stuff right from the word go for the Shrews, with Paterson striking a post from close-range after Bangoura rounded goalkeeper Chris Mackenzie.

Rooney was next to hit the woodwork, this time the crossbar with a fierce header from a teasing Harper free-kick.

But the opening goal finally arrived in the 25th minute when Paterson's back-post header was helped into the net by Mackenzie.

And just seconds later Paterson turned provider, supplying Rooney with a inch perfect cross which the returning Irishman buried from six-yards.

Bangoura almost added another moments after the interval when he glanced a header narrowly wide before Paterson fired home a lose ball after the Guinea international caused problems in the area.

Rooney dragged an effort wide and Harper blasted over as City continued to dominate and they were rewarded with a fourth goal on the hour.

Another Harper cross deceived the home defence and Paterson stole in to plant a firm header beyond Mackenzie.

Shrewsbury rarely threatened and failed to have a single shot on target before grabbing a consolation goal two mintues from the end when a deflected Marco Adaggio shot from the edge of the area looped into the net.

City: Parsons, Garrett, Shotton, Dickinson, Hazley, Paterson (Grocott, 87), Pulis, Whitley, Harper (Phillips, 81), Rooney (McDonald, 72), Bangoura. Subs (Not Used): Robinson, Duggan.

Shrewsbury: Mackenzie, Cadwallader, Leslie, Drummons, Langmead (Sutton, 66), Rafferty, Hurst, Adaggio, Cooke, Hogg, Williams. Subs (Not Used): Singh, Morris, Draper, Wallis.