Cambridge United fell to a 0-2 defeat away at Shrewsbury during a forgettable afternoon for Neil Harris’ men…
On what was an off-day all round for the U's, the hosts took the lead after 15 minutes and doubled their advantage just before half-time, leaving United with too steep a hill to climb in the second half.
There was just one change from last weekend’s win over Crawley, with Korey Smith replacing the injured Shane McLoughlin in central midfield. Academy graduates Glenn McConnell and George Hoddle were rewarded for their strong showings in the midweek Vertu Trophy victory against Luton Town with places on the bench.
United started brightly and created two chances within the opening two minutes, both falling to Lavery, though neither effort hit the target.
Despite the promising start, Shrewsbury went ahead on 15 minutes after a mix-up between Smith and Morrison allowed Lloyd to break through and slot past Eastwood. Cambridge looked to respond quickly, with Bradshaw drawing a save from Brook from the edge of the box, but they struggled to sustain pressure or carve out further clear chances against a disciplined Shrews side.
Their task became even harder just before the interval when Boyle rose highest from a corner to head home and make it 2-0.
Unhappy with the first-half showing, Harris made a change at the break, introducing Kaikai for Bradshaw and moving Mayor into defence. However, the U’s struggled to build any momentum in the opening stages of the second half.
McConnell and Kachunga were later introduced for Brophy and Kouassi, as Cambridge began to assert more pressure in the final third. Kaikai came close on 66 minutes when his sharp turn and shot inside the area was deflected for a corner, but Shrewsbury, content with their lead, were able to absorb the pressure with relative ease.
An 87th-minute free-kick from Kaikai, which curled just wide of the post, was the closest United came to reducing the deficit. There was no late surge, and the home side saw out the game to claim the points.
Attention now turns to next weekend’s home fixture against Bromley as United look to bounce back.
Attendance: 4827 (370)
