Shrewsbury Town fall short as Wycombe Wanderers leave Shropshire with all three points.
Shrewsbury Town's Tuesday evening fixture with Wycombe Wanderers came to an end with the Chairboys taking home all three points after a tightly constested tie.
Despite Town cutting the defecit in half through Matthew Pennington, Steve Cotterill's men were unable to find the equaliser as Gareth Ainsworth's men left Shropshire with the win.
Bright play from Town allowed Steve Cotterill's men to advance in the visitor's half during the early stages of the fixture. In the 17th minute, Shaun Whalley managed to guide the first Salop effort on target with a half-volley but David Stockdale calmly clutched the ball to keep the scoresheet blank.
Dan Udoh's relentless effort and running offered the Shrews another chance at the Chairboys goal with 28 minutes on the clock. Town's forward drove forward with the ball along the byline and fired a powerful cross into the box. Town's number seven, Whalley, managed to make a headed connection with the ball but couldn't guide his shot on goal.
Shortly before the half-time break, the Chairboys had their own opportunity to snatch a late goal. Jason McCarthy stood over a free-kick from 25-yards out and beat the Salop wall but couldn't beat the bar and saw his effort sky high into the Salop Leisure Stand.
Despite an even half of football, Wycombe came out for the second with a point to prove. With only six minutes elapsed, former Salop man Jacobson found the net for his team. Gareth Ainsworth's captain latched onto the ball outside the box and managed to find the corner of the net via the post with a left-footed strike to break the deadlock.
A stinging shot from wing-back Luke Leahy called David Stockdale into action just prior to the hour mark. Town's number three powerfully half-volleyed an effort on target from the edge of the box and made the Wycombe shot-stopper stretch across his line to make a parried save.
65 minutes in, Wycombe doubled their lead with a headed goal. Ryan Tafazolli rose highest to meet a free-kick inside Town's box. Despite pressure from the Salop defence, the Chairboys number six was able to make a solid connection with the ball; giving Marko Marosi a slim chance to make a save.
With just over 10 minutes to go, Steve Cotterill's men managed to half the deficit. After sustained pressure, Town were awarded a corner. Elliott Bennett stepped up to deliver the ball and Matthew Pennington jumped highest to net with a headed effort across goal.
Despite Salop's best efforts, the game came to an end with Town unable to find the leveler.
Attendance: 4510 (180)
The teams:
Salop: Marko Marosi, Luke Leahy, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Matthew Pennington, Aaron Pierre, Shaun Whalley (Nathanael Ogbeta, 86), Daniel Udoh (Tom Bloxham, 75), Ryan Bowman, David Davis, Elliott Bennett, George Nurse.
Subs not used: Harry Burgoyne, Khanya Leshabela, Sam Cosgrove, Rekeil Pyke, Charlie Caton.
Chairboys: David Stockdale, Jack Grimmer, Joe Jacobson, Anthony Stewart, Ryan Tafazolli, Curtis Thompson, Sam Vokes (Adebayo Akinfenwa, 86), Sullay Kaikai (David Wheeler, 69), Brandon Hanlan (Garath McCleary, 83), Jason McCarthy, Josh Scowen.
Subs not used: Adam Przybek, Daryl Horgan, Anis Mehmeti, Jordan Obita.
Officials:
Referee: Ross Joyce
Assistants: Mark Cunliffe and Lisa Rashid
Fourth Official: Ian Smedley
