A resilient second-half performance and a late goal from Daniel Udoh saw Shrewsbury Town secure a much deserved 1-0 win over Lincoln City at Montgomery Waters Meadow on Saturday in Sky Bet League One.
Udoh’s 84th-minute strike sealed Salop’s third win in a row, following an impressive win at home to Morecambe (5-0) and victory over league leaders Rotherham United away from home (3-0).
The first half had very little to shout about with regards to chances as both teams failed to really test the opposition's 'keeper. For the visitors, Morgan Whittaker put a shot just wide in the sixth minute and Ted Bishop's effort in first-half stoppage time met the same fate.
Salop’s best chance of the first half fell to Josh Vela in the 39th minute when the midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box but his shot tipped just over the bar by Jordan Wright in the Lincoln goal.
The second half was much improved by Salop’s standards and Steve Cotterill’s side had much better chances. Matthew Pennington forced Wright into a brilliant on the hour-mark when his header from close range forced Wright to get over to his left quickly and tip the Salop man’s header over the bar at full stretch.
Luke Leahy then saw his shot from the edge of the box deflected rather fortunately into the hands of the Imps keeper.
Salop’s dominance was deservedly awarded in the 84th minute when Town’s star man Udoh picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired his shot into the bottom left corner.
The visitors failed to react to Udoh’s goal and Shrewsbury nearly got a second when substitute Shaun Whalley did brilliantly to get inside of the box but failed to hit the target.
Teams:
Salop: Marko Marosi (GK), Luke Leahy, Ethan Ebanks-Landell (C), Matthew Pennington, Tyrese Fornah, Josh Vela, Daniel Udoh (Shaun Whalley, 89), Ryan Bowman, Elliott Bennett (Aaron Pierre, 89’), Tom Bloxham (Josh Daniels, 46’), George Nurse
Subs Not Used: Harry Burgoyne (GK), Matty Bondswell, Charlie Caton, Saikou Janneh
Lincoln City: Jordan Wright, Regan Poole, Adam Jackson (Lasse Sorrensen, 28’), Cohen Bramall (Jamie Robson, 55’), Joe Walsh, Conor McGrandles (C), Ted Bishop (Max Sanders, 80’), Chris Maguire, Morgan Whittaker (Liam Cullen, 89’), Tom Hopper, John Marquis
Subs Not Used: Liam Bridcutt, Anthony Scully, Hakeeb Adelakun,
Bookings:
Luke Leahy was booked in the 22nd minute for a high challenge on a Lincoln attacker. Elliott Bennett was booked in the 51st minute for pulling Chris Maguire back. Josh Vela was then booked in the 62nd minute for a supposed elbow on Ted Bishop.
Officials:
Referee: Chris Pollard
Assistant Referees: Christopher Husband & Andrew Hendley
Fourth Official: Joe Clark
