Ballard wins it late for the U's

A quiet, tentative opening 25 minutes of the game saw the U's focus their play in the air. Harris aimed to get wingbacks Brophy and Bennet as far forward as possible. This allowed Watts and Gibbons to occupy deeper wide spaces to launch crosses into the box towards Loft. Stevenson dropped deeper to support Morrison at the back. Digby adopted a box to box role, helping support Loft in the air whilst also being able to keep possession in midfield. Gibbons defended really well and delivered good crosses from deep in the opening 25 minutes.

Following long balls that didn't create chances, Stokes played in Ballard who took a great touch inside the box however was deemed to foul the Shrewsbury defender. After watching the replays it looked like the referee made a mistake as it was clear as day that the defender in fact fouled Ballard. Despite this questionable decision from the referee it was a positive move from the U's showing their multiple threats when attacking. Harris tactically set the team up well and started the better side undoubtedly.

Josh Stokes put in 6 crosses in the first half with Brophy putting in 4 and Watts and Bennet both having 2. Stevenson, Digby and Ballard all put in 1. This was clearly a focus from Harris which in turns helps keep the pressure on a poor Shrewsbury defence.

No personal changes at half time for either side also saw no tactical changes immediately in the second half.

Shrewsbury changed approach in attack. They adjusted from trying to play out from the back to a longer more direct approach which caused the U's defence more problems in the second half. However, the home side struggled to sustain attacks and was only able to get into a few good positions before turning possession over.

The U's created many chances from wide positions. Bennet picked the ball back to Ballard who blazed his shot well over the bar. However 1 minute later in the 76th minute a poor pass from Blackman found Ballard who drove into the box and struck a hard, low effort across goal and into the back of the net. Despite the focus being

attacking from wide positions it was a central strike that opened the scoring.

Harris made a personal and tactical change following the goal. Kachunga replaced goal scorer Ballard. Harris set the team up with 2 no.10's opposed to 2 strikers. Loft lead the line with Stokes and Kachunga playing just behind the lone no.9. This allowed the U's to protect the central areas when defending and have more bodies back whilst Shrewsbury chased an equaliser.

Longelo came on in the 90th minute for Stokes to provide further stability when defending. Another great tactical change from Harris who has outclassed Appleton throughout the 90 minute in this relegation clash.

Ballard used his pace and hunger to win the game for the U's. A player who is showing his quality in recent games. Watts and Gibbons played great long balls throughout the 90 which helped the U's threaten the Shrews backline. Only 3 of the 24 crosses were successful for the U's however all the points were coming home to the Abbey in the fight for survival.

OUR 4 MAIN TALKING POINTS

If we do get relegated, would Harris be the best manager in League 2? Harris made great tactical changes throughout the game and set the team up to defend brilliantly and ask a lot of questions of the Shrewsbury defence. Gibbons and Watts put in what felt like hundreds of deep crosses which helped maintain attacking pressure.

Is Ballard a player we could try and keep? The youngster is clearly enjoying life in East Anglia and has come into fine form as of recent games. It won't be easy however with the positive intent from the board, Harris and Bonner it could be a loan move that is extended further and made permanent.

Is Stevens worth keeping and starting for next season? He can be inconsistent which is not a trait you aim to have in a goalkeeper however did well in the little he faced today and hasn't been far off other keepers in the squad.

Finally, is safety possible? The U's now sit 7 points adrift with 5 games left. With Reading potentially being relegated through off field issues, staying up could be all that bit more doable. It is the hope that kills you but it would be hard not to be optimistic.