On loan Spurs keeper David Button did well to tip a fierce shot from Gary Jones round the post and then dived bravely at the feet of first Chris O'Grady and then Chris Dagnall.
The inevitable goal eventually came after 62 minutes when substitute Thompson headed home with his first touch.
Shrewsbury's day got worse when Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, back from a two-game suspension, was shown a red card for bringing down Dagnall.
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk