United fell to defeat at Croud Meadow following a first-half strike from Dan Udoh.
After looking like we would enter the interval goalless, Udoh stepped up and lashed home at Harry Lewis’ near post to give the hosts the advantage, whilst also netting what would prove to be the winner.
An instant attack from United saw Luke Armstrong win a corner with only 30 seconds on the clock, but it was ultimately punched away by Marko Marosi.
Inside the opening five minutes, the biggest chance fell the way of Shrewsbury’s Taylor Perry on the right, who delivered into the area but was unable to find a teammate.
On 13 minutes, Armer’s cross required the intervention of Tom Flanagan, who cleared for a corner denying Armstrong an effort on goal.
Tom Bayliss looked to send a low cross into our area soon after, but Harry Lewis was equal to it in the Blues’ goal.
Our ‘keeper made an outstanding stop as we approached the 20-minute mark, denying Perry one-on-one.
Prior to stopping Bayliss’ shot from outside the area, on 24 minutes.
Following a quiet period in play, it was the hosts who opened the scoring with five minutes of the first-half remaining after Dan Udoh snuck an effort into the back of the net at Lewis’ near post.
Before United’s shot-stopper tipped a Carl Winchester effort around the post soon after.
Carlisle’s best chance of the half came seconds before the half-time whistle. Following a free-kick, the ball found its way to Butterworth, whose powerful shot cannoned into the path of Lavelle, but the defender was unable to beat Marosi from close range.
Half-time: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Carlisle United
Eight minutes into the second-half, Diamond chopped inside before firing a left-footed effort at goal which flew wide.
On 57 minutes, United were provided with a golden opportunity following a lapse of judgement at the back, but after twisting and turning Butterworth’s effort was saved by Salop’s goalkeeper.
Prior to seeing his free-kick from just outside the box flash beyond Shrewsbury’s far post.
On 66 minutes, Diamond showed great control and power to battle beyond two of the hosts’ players, before slipping a ball through to Butterworth but the latter’s cross evaded everyone inside the area.
Like the first-half, chances were lacking in the second with the next big opportunity coming on 84 minutes from a United corner kick, but following a strong Jack Robinson delivery we were unable to turn the ball home.
Moments later, the ball sat for Udoh 20-yards out and his curling shot went just wide of Lewis’ goal.
As the fourth official indicated six added minutes, Gibson delivered a superb ball into the box, which was met by Lavelle, but his headed effort was saved by Marosi.
Harry Lewis was forced into a brilliant save during stoppage time, as he kept out Sobowale’s powerful effort from inside the area.
Full-time: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Carlisle United
Goals
Shrewsbury Town: (Udoh 40’)
Carlisle United: N/A
Bookings
Shrewsbury Town: (Perry 7’)
Carlisle United: (Neal 4’), (McGeouch 25’)
Teams
Shrewsbury Town: Marosi, Benning, Feeney, Winchester (Price 72), Udoh (Bennett 90+3), Perry, Bloxham (Bowman 85’), Bayliss, O’Brien (Sobowale 85’), Dunkley, Flanagan
Unused subs: Burgoyne, Sraha, Tulloch
Carlisle United: Lewis, Ellis (Grehan 83’), Barclay, Lavelle, Mellish, Armer (Robinson 83’), Neal (McCalmont 73’), McGeouch (Maguire 89’), Diamond (Gibson 73’), Butterworth, Armstrong
Unused subs: Breeze, Charters
Match Officials
Referee: Simon Mather
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Cunliffe
Assistant Referee 2: Oliver Bickle
Fourth Official: Christopher Ward
Attendance: 6721 (559 away)
