Leeds could not get going in the first half and the Whites fell behind in the 28th minute to a deflected Taylor Perry strike. The Shrewsbury midfielder seized upon a loose ball in midfield and drove towards goal past Darko Gyabi before unleashing a drive which took a deflection off Leo Hjelde en route to beating Karl Darlow.
Archie Gray was responsible for United's best effort as the 17-year-old worked an opening on the edge of the box before firing an effort over the bar. But there were groans and moans as Whites players regularly played passes sidewards or backwards and Daniel Farke's side were roundly booed off at half time.
Farke made a double change at the interval as Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk replaced Leo Hjelde and Darko Gyabi and the Whites immediately improved, drawing level in the 52nd minute through Joe Gelhardt.
A Luke Ayling throw was cushioned by Jamie Shackleton into the bath of Ian Poveda whose stinging shot was saved by keeper Marko Marosi but only parried to Joe Gelhardt who instinctively finished from the middle of the box.
Shrewsbury were struggling to get a look in and Leeds bagged what proved the game’s winning goal just six minutes later as the presence of Ethan Ampadu helped flick a corner on to Struijk who smashed home a no nonsense finish at the far.
Leeds United writer Lee Sobot hands out the scores.
7. Jamie Shackleton
7 - Buzzed about looking to make things happen and played an important part in Gelhardt's goal. A fine tackle at the death summed up his display. Photo: George Wood
8. Archie Gray
8 - Another very impressive display from the 17 year old but this time in two different positions, as a no 10 in the first half and then solid as a rock as a CDM after the break. A star. Photo: George Wood
9. Ian Poveda
7 - A livewire, particularly after the break and a display similar to Summerville's against Cardiff. Standing ovation upon being subbed with seven minutes left. Photo: Nigel French
10. Dan James
6 - Works his socks off and just needs a goal. His pace will always be a problem and again got into some very good areas, just lacking the final piece of the jigsaw at present. Photo: Alex Caparros
11. Joe Gelhardt
7 - Had very little joy in the first half but instinctive finish for the goal and then seemed to really come alive thereafter as part of a very good display after the break. Photo: Nigel French
12. Sam Byram (sub)
6 - Another noticeable impact from the bench at left back, energetic and charging forward. Surely must start at Birmingham. Photo: Alex Caparros