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Callum Paterson marked a memorable milestone by scoring his 100th career goal and registering the first hat-trick of his career as the Dons cruised to a dominant 5–1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.
The contest was one-sided from the outset, with play almost exclusively directed towards the Shrewsbury goal.
Although striker Aaron Collins squandered a gilt-edged opportunity from six yards early on, the miss proved inconsequential.
Within five minutes, the Dons had established a commanding two-goal advantage.
Paterson, the Scotland international, opened the scoring with a superb piece of individual skill.
After bringing down a lofted forward pass on his chest, he spun on the half-turn and struck a precise finish from outside the penalty area, leaving Shrewsbury goalkeeper William Brook helpless.
The goal took Paterson to a century of career strikes in style.
Having waited three matches to move from 99 to 100, Paterson required just three more minutes to add goal number 101.
A needless foul on Collins inside the penalty area presented referee Alan Dale with an easy decision, and Paterson stepped up to convert the resulting penalty with confidence, completing his brace.
The hat-trick arrived on the half-hour mark, as Paterson delicately chipped Brook with a perfectly weighted finish to make it 3–0.
It was a clinical display that underlined his quality when provided with service.
Despite the high calibre of his finishes, his two open-play goals carried a combined expected goals (xG) value of just 0.22, highlighting the efficiency of his performance and making it a day to savour for the home supporters.
From that point onward, the match became increasingly routine for Paul Warne’s side.
Further chances came and went as the Dons controlled possession and tempo, while Shrewsbury offered little attacking threat.
This allowed Warne to manage his squad effectively, protecting key players and carefully reintegrating those returning from injury.
There was still time for three additional goals before the final whistle.
Luke Offord added his second of the season, while Dan Crowley netted his first goal since arriving from Notts County twelve months ago, doing so on his 36th appearance.
Shrewsbury’s sole response came via Thomas Sang, who scored a long-range consolation goal from 25 yards — the first of his professional career.
With Paterson continuing his prolific form, a consistently solid defensive unit, and strong contributions throughout the squad, the Dons’ promotion ambitions remain firmly on track.
Performances of this comfort and control will only breed confidence as Warne’s men turn their attention to Tuesday’s fixture, when they host struggling Bristol Rovers.
