Shrewsbury Town, a modest club from the county of Shropshire, which plays mainly in the third and fourth divisions of English football, is rarely associated with loud sensations. However, it is precisely such underdogs that sometimes bring incredible betting winnings due to unexpected results.
The Cup of England sensation: Shrewsbury Town vs Liverpool (2020)
Liverpool was dominating the Premier League that season, while Shrewsbury was in the middle of the League 1 table. The odds for a win or draw at King Chip Casino were extremely high, reaching 15.00 and higher, as no one expected a third-division team to stand up to a гранд.
The match was held at the New Meadow Stadium. Liverpool, led by Jürgen Klopp, fielded a reserve team with young players, which gave Shrewsbury a chance. In the 46th minute, Daniel Udo scored a goal, putting the team ahead (1:0). The stadium erupted in excitement, and fans and bettors who had placed bets on a miracle began to believe in it. In the 65th minute, Cade Gordon equalized the score (1:1), but Shrewsbury continued to press. In the 75th minute, Jason Cummings scored a penalty, making the score 2:1. In the last few minutes, Liverpool desperately tried to equalize, but the defense held on, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This draw was a surprise. Those who bet on a draw or a Shrewsbury victory with a handicap received significant winnings. According to sports analysts, the odds for a draw reached 7.50, and some bettors who risked the exact score of 2:2 hit the jackpot with odds of about 20.00. The replay at Anfield ended with Liverpool's victory (1-0), but the first match remained in history as an example of how an outsider can surprise the favorite.
Victory over Southampton in the League Cup (2014)
Southampton were on the up in that season, holding high positions in the Premier League, while Shrewsbury were fighting for survival in League 2. The odds on winning were as high as 10.00, making them clear underdogs.
The game was played at New Meadow. Shrewsbury showed aggressive football from the first minutes, focusing on counterattacks. In the 25th minute, Nathaniel Kline from Southampton scored an own goal, giving the hosts an advantage. In the second half, Shrewsbury doubled their lead with a precise strike from James Collins. Southampton tried to come back into the game, but the defense, led by goalkeeper Joe Hartley, played flawlessly. The final score of 2-0 was a shock to the football world.
This match brought significant rewards to those who believed in Shrewsbury. According to unofficial reports, one of the fans from Shropshire, who bet £50 on his team's victory, received around £500 due to the high odds.
An unexpected draw with Manchester United (2016)
Manchester United, despite an inconsistent season under the leadership of Louis van Gaal, was considered the clear favorite with odds of around 1.20 for a win, while Shrewsbury's draw was offered at around 6.50.
The match at New Meadow began with both teams playing cautiously. Shrewsbury opted for a defensive approach with quick counterattacks. In the 37th minute, Chris Smalling from Manchester United scored a goal, but Shrewsbury did not give up. In the second half, in the 76th minute, Jack Grinnell equalized the score with a precise corner kick. The final minutes were played in a tense struggle, but Shrewsbury managed to hold on to a 1-1 draw. In the replay, Manchester United won 3-0, but the first match was a triumph for fans and bettors.
The draw against such a grand team brought significant winnings. One of the locals who bet £20 on a draw won around £130, which was a pleasant surprise for him.
Win over Notts County (2024)
The match against Notts County in League 2 on 17 February 2024 was also among the games that brought big winnings. Shrewsbury Town were bottom of the table and Notts County were favourites with odds of around 1.80. However, Shrewsbury won 3-2 in a surprise victory.
The game was action-packed with Notts County taking a 2-0 lead through Sam Austin and Folarin Balogun, but Shrewsbury responded with Jack Shipley (twice) and Adam Jatta in the 89th minute. The odds for a win were as high as 4.50, and for a 3:2 score, they were around 15.00.