Cambridge United’s latest Sky Bet League One clash saw them share the spoils with Shrewsbury Town as late drama forced a 1-1 draw at the Abbey Stadium...
A spectacular solo attempt from Michael Morrison mid-way through the second half looked to be an extremely worthy matchwinner, but the U’s were pegged back near the death as Taylor Perry snatched at a golden opportunity to grab a point apiece.
Despite enjoying similarly impressive starts to the season, the sides had diminished of late and just a point separated them heading into the fixture. The hosts were eager to use their home support as the springboard to terminate a five-match winless run, a feat Salop – who had scored just five all season - had achieved in their most recent outing.
Mark Bonner’s latest team selection saw him name the single change to the side that started in the televised defeat to Burton Albion on Monday night. After being called up for international duty with Sierra Leone, Sullay Kaikai made way for John-Kymani Gordon. Elsewhere, Gassan Ahadme returned to the matchday squad.
Determined to make an early statement, the U’s attacked with pace and forced their first corner on the 6th minute when a great flick from James Brophy found Fejiri Okenabirhie, who used his power to return the favour – the winger lined himself up from distance but his shot was crucially blocked by Tom Flanagan.
They arguably should have been ahead four minutes later when a well-worked corner routine concluded with a dummy for Danny Andrew, whose attempt deflected towards the six-yard box and was headed towards Michael Morrison, who scrambled wide from a matter of yards.
The Shrews grabbed the first shot on target on 13 when a long throw caused pinball in the box, allowing Mal Benning, Chey Dunkley and then Brandon Fleming to pull the trigger, with the latter hitting a tame attempt which was handled by Jack Stevens.
On the half an hour mark, a back pass from Liam Bennett enticed an alert Kieran Phillips, who raced and latched towards the ball but was denied by a fine tackle from Stevens to ensure the match remained in deadlock.
The best opportunity of the afternoon was conjured up with 37 gone when L. Bennett’s pinpoint lofted ball fell gracefully to Okenabirhie down the right, who cut back to an open Lankester from 10 yards who cannoned against the woodwork before lines were cleared.
The last action of an even first half fell to Matt Taylor’s men after Dan Udoh held the ball up well before finding Tom Bayliss to his right, who from a tough angle inside the box drilled wide.
Looking to impose themselves from the get go after the break, Gordon picked his spot and tested his luck with a speculative 25-yard effort, which had the venom but not quite enough dip as it sailed inches above Marko Marosi’s crossbar.
From here, the game turned in the Shrews’ favour, with their pressure forcing blocks and a couple of quickfire opportunities through Jason Sraha, before Phillips attempted an overhead kick which was directed just wide.
After retaining possession well with a neat passing sequence around the back, captain Morrison popped up with a solo effort for the ages on 68. Picking it up from just past the halfway line, he danced past five different men in blue with skill and tenacity before executing into the bottom corner and wheeling away towards the delirious South Habbin.
By the time the celebrations had finished, Jordan Cousins and Ahadme were on to help shore up the game. Work was still needed to be done, however, with Salop going close on the 80th minute when Udoh pulled back for Tunmise Sobowale, but his effort was prevented by Andrew’s tackle.
With the game in its dying embers, Shrewsbury gained a late equaliser after a lengthy scrap inside the penalty area was unable to be cleared by a sea of amber, resulting in Perry latching home from close range.
Unable to respond, United had to remain compact and contend with the Shrews’ late pressure to see out the draw, which in itself was tricky to take but importantly cancelled out the losing streak and added another point to the tally.
Action at the Abbey continues on Tuesday evening (17 October) when attention turns to the EFL Trophy, where the U’s host Colchester United - be sure to back the boys.
Cambridge United: Stevens, L. Bennett, R. Bennett, Morrison, Andrew, Digby (Cousins, 70’), Thomas, Brophy, Lankester (May, 60’), Gordon (Janneh, 60’), Okenabirhie (Ahadme, 69’)
Subs Not Used: Mannion, Okedina, Ibsen Rossi
Goalscorers: Morrison (68’)
Bookings: Digby, Gordon
Shrewsbury Town: Marosi, Sraha, Flanagan, Dunkley, Benning (Bowman, 73’), Winchester, Perry, Fleming, Bayliss (E. Bennett, 80’), Phillips (Sobowale, 73’), Udoh
Subs Not Used: Burgoyne, Anderson, Pierre, Watts
Goalscorers: Perry (87’)
Bookings: Benning
Referee: Scott Tallis
Attendance: 6252 (342 away fans)
Man of the Match: Morrison