Shrewsbury Town were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Cambridge United in a scrappy affair at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

Despite having several chances, Salop were unable to get the decisive touch and the points were shared in Cambridgeshire.

Shrewsbury dominated the first half and the majority of the chances falling to the away side. Tom Flanagan had an early chance when he met an Elliott Bennett corner with a header which forced Dimitar Mitov into a good save.

The best chance of the half fell to Ryan Bowman in the 18^th minute when he got in front of his defender to flick on Tom Bloxham’s cross. Mitov was quick to it though and produced a great reaction save to tip it round the post.

The second half was a more even contest and both sides had more opportunities. Cambridge’s best chance didn’t come until the 72^nd minute when a ball into the box found Sam Smith at the far post. All Smith needed to do was get his header on target for a certain goal however, he put his header over the bar. Salop then had an identical opportunity at the other end of the pitch nine minutes later with Dan Udoh this meeting Bennett’s cross but again, the ball went over the bar.

Luke Leahy then had a golden opportunity as the game entered the 99^th minute when he met Bennett’s corner at the near post, however, Mitov did excellently to get down to his right and push it around the post for a corner.

Teams:

Cambridge United: Dimitar Mitov (GK), George Williams, Paul Digby (C), Lloyd Jones, James Brophy (Shilow Tracey, 66’), Joe Ironside, Sam Smith (Harvey Knibbs, 83’), Harrison Dunk, Wes Hoolahan, Jubril Odkedina, Adam May

Subs Not Used: Will Mannion (GK), Lorent Tolaj, Jack Lankester, Ben Worman, Liam Bennett

Salop: Marko Marosi (GK), Luke Leahy, Ethan Ebanks-Landell (C), Matthew Pennington, Tyrese Fornah, Daniel Udoh, Ryan Bowman, Elliott Bennett, Tom Bloxham, George Nurse, Tom Flanagan

Subs Not Used: Harry Burgoyne (GK), Aaron Pierre, Matthew Bondswell, Charlie Caton, Joshua Daniels, Kade Craig, Saikou Janneh

Bookings:

George Nurse was booked in the 55^th minute for a clipping James Brophy when the Cambridge man was running through on goal.

Ryan Bowman was booked for Salop and Jubril Okedina for Cambridge in the 92^nd minute for a coming together between the two.

Officials:

Referee: Neil Hair

Assistant Referee’s: Andy Bennett & Marvyn Amphlett

Fourth Official: Geoffrey Russell