Paul Parry's early goal proved enough to sink his former club as promoted Shrewsbury beat Preston 1-0.

Shrewsbury did not have to wait long for their first goal in the third tier for 15 years with Parry firing them ahead in the fourth minute.

Preston failed to clear a Mark Wright free-kick from the left and former Wales international Parry, making his home debut after three years with Preston, cracked a rising 20-yard drive high into the net.

North End responded strongly and Nicky Wroe, part of Shrewsbury's promotion-winning side last season, almost hauled them level when his well-struck shot from outside the box was turned over by goalkeeper Chris Weale.

The Shrews were then indebted to on-loan defender Michael Hector for throwing himself in the way of a goalbound shot from Chris Beardsley as Preston chased an equaliser.

The classy Parry and skipper Matt Richards drilled long-range efforts over the crossbar as Shrewsbury pressed for a second goal after half-time

Preston enjoyed plenty of possession but did little with it against a well-drilled home defence, with Wroe's powerful free-kick which whistled narrowly wide as close as the Deepdale men came to a leveller.