Shrewsbury Town earn all three points against Lincoln City away from home.
Shrewsbury Town secured consecutive wins for the first time this season with a Salop one-goal victory over Lincoln City.
Shaun Whalley’s composed finish in the early stages of the game was enough to secure all the points as Salop defended their lead with composure and determination.
The evening began with the home side enjoying most of the ball whilst the Shrews were limited to the occasional counter-attack. Sean Goss’ impressive passing range was clear to see as the midfielder continually looked to open up the Imps.
Shaun Whalley recorded the first meaningful shot at goal for Salop. The winger latched onto a bouncing ball but his half-volley was well caught by Lincoln number one Alex Palmer.
Whalley had another chance to put Salop in the lead, and this time he didn’t let the opportunity pass by. Town’s forward calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net after shifting the ball away from the Imps’ keeper and defender – despite on-rushing pressure.
Town were being tested defensively as the second half began. Ethan Ebanks-Landell made a key contribution to his team’s performance in the 67th minute as the defender launched into a block from preventing the Imps from crossing into a free man.
Whalley was having a positive evening for Town and his long-range effort in the 74th minute nearly doubled Town’s lead. The winger curled an effort towards the goal but his shot narrowly missed the target.
Town had to defend resolutely during the second half, and despite a barrage of long balls and crosses, Town kept composed and secured all three points.
The teams:
Lincoln: Alex Palmer, Lewis Montsma, Tayo Edun, James Jones, Tom Hopper, Jorge Grant, Anthony Scully, Joe Walsh, Remy Howarth, Brenan Johnson, TJ Eyoma (Harry Anderson, 78).
Subs: Sam Long, Max Melbourne, Robbie Gotts, Zack Elbouzedi, Harry Anderson, Sean Roughan.
Salop: Matija Sarkic, Aaron Pierre, Ro-Shaun Williams, Sean Goss (David Edwards, 74), Shaun Whalley (Jason Cummings, 85), Ollie Norburn, Josh Vela, Matty Millar, Charlie Daniels, Daniel Udoh (Josh Daniels, 80), Ethan Ebanks-Landell.
Subs: Harry Burgoyne, Scott Golbourne, David Edwards, Shilow Tracey, Josh Daniels, Marc Pugh, Jason Cummings.
Referee: Craig Hicks
Assistants: Marc Wilson and Anthony Da Costa
Fourth official: Andrew Dallison
Bookings:
Shaun Whalley was shown a yellow card in the 28th minute for a foul deep in Town’s half.
Ollie Norburn was shown the second yellow card of the game in the 31st minute.
James Jonas was booked for Lincoln after a foul on Norburn in the middle of the park shortly before half time.