Victory lifted Shrews up to 21st in the table as Barrow’s sixth successive defeat dropped them to one place and three points off the bottom two.

Cowan, who replaced Michael Appleton, had overseen two winless games since his arrival from Brackley.

But he and Shrewsbury made it third time lucky in this first home league meeting with Barrow since 1969.

Danny Rose hit the crossbar for the Bluebirds in the opening half while Charlie McCann saw a shot saved by Matthew Cox.

Bluebirds boss Paul Gallagher, yet to mastermind a win since becoming permanent successor to Andy Whing, made a double substitution for the second period.

But Barrow immediately conceded a free-kick and a minute later Scully stole in at the far post to net his fifth goal of the season.

Hoole doubled the lead seven minutes later and though substitute Tyler Walker pulled a goal back – his first since last August – Shrewsbury held on for a first win in five.