Cheltenham Town defeat Salop 2-1 at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
Shrewsbury Town's venture to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium ultimately ended in disappointment with the home side securing a 2-1 win.
Despite Town taking the lead early on, the home side were able to bounce back with two goals to secure all three points.
With just over a minute on the clock, the home side were given an early chance to take the lead from a set-piece just outside the box. Matthew Pennington's slip and subsequent foul lead to Kyle Vassell striking a free-kick just over the bar.
An outstanding response was demonstrated by Steve Cotterill's men two minutes later in the opposition's half. Luke Leahy fired a pass into Dan Udoh, and still with work to do, Udoh beat his man and lashed a powerful effort through the 'keeper and into the back of the net to gain the lead.
24 minutes in, Town were shown a straight red card and the home side were given a penalty following Elliott Bennett goal-line handball from Dan Crowley's strike from inside the box. Conor Thomas stepped up for the spot-kick and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to pull the Robins level.
Towards the very latter stages of the half, the Robins had a chance to pull ahead. Crowley fed a smart pass into the path of Matty Blair but Michael Duff's number 17 was unable to beat Marosi at his near post.
Despite Salop attacking Scott Findlers' box with multiple corners, it was the home side that managed to find the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute. An ever-present threat, Crowley dribbled through Town's defence only to hit the post from close range. However, to the delight of home supporters, Kyle Joseph was able to tap home from a yard out to secure the goal.
Unfortunately for Town, and despite a battling performance with 10 men, the game came to an end with Salop leaving empty-handed.
Attendance: 3914 (603)
The teams:
Cheltenham: Scott Flinders, Sean Long, Chris Hussey, Mattie Pollock, Lewis Freestone (Alfie May, 58), Conor Thomas, Liam Sercombe, Kyle Vassell, Matty Blair, Christian Norton (Kyle Joseph, 58), Dan Crowley (Dylan Barkers, 90).
Subs not used: Owen Evans, Andy Williams, Grant Horton, Will Armitage.
Salop: Marko Marosi, Luke Leahy, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Matthew Pennington, Josh Vela, Daniel Udoh (Tom Bloxham, 78), Ryan Bowman (Sam Cosgrove., 78), Nathanael Ogbeta (Aaron Pierre, 55), David Davis, Elliott Bennett, George Nurse.
Subs not used: Harry Burgoyne, Khanya Leshabela, Charlie Caton, Rekeil Pyke.
Officials:
Referee: Ollie Yates
Assistant Referees: Greg Read and Simon Shaw
Fourth Official: Lewis Raper
Bookings:
Following a slip and a foul, Matthew Pennington was shown a yellow card with just 43 seconds on the clock.
Elliott Bennett was shown a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity with a handball in the 23rd minute.
Ryan Bowman was shown a yellow card in the 55th minute for dissent.
Luke Leahy was booked for a foul in the middle of the park with 78 minutes on the clock.
