Knight scores last minute penalty in nervy clash against Shrewsbury

Neil Harris named an unchanged lineup for the 3rd consecutive game. Shrewsbury Town remained in their 4-4-2 approach following being on the end of a dismantling against MK Dons. Big names, Scully and Marquis both on the bench for Appleton to bring on if and when.

Once again Harris selected Gibbons the captain, as Morrison's return has been delayed and Dom Ball is relegated to the bench. Elliot Nevitt is back on the bench after his 20 minute cameo only a few days ago. Despite netting on Saturday's 4-2 win, Shane Lavery was back on the bench but ready to come on when his number is called.

Shrewsbury started the game much the better side in the opening minutes of the game. Striker Trey Ogunsuyi was heavily involved in the Shrewsbury attacks, linking play and being direct with the ball against Watts.

The U's first positive attack came 5 minutes into the affair. Jobe's clearance to Brophy was further directed up field through Appere. Appere was able to get a half yard free and play Kaikai in behind. Staring the keeper in the face, Kaikai attempted a dinked shot which was well predicted by Cox in goal.

The U's were dominating possession but had little to show for it. Failed attacking moves and lapses in concentration saw the ball going out of play and Shrewsbury were able to become physical in the 1v1 battles.

The U's grew confident with the ball with their 2nd chance of the game coming from build up between Eastwood and Jobe. The ball was played through the rigid Shrewsbury structure and found it's way to Appere in all sorts of space on the edge of the box. The striker's effort was comfortably saved by Cox, who had an easy opening 30 minutes.

The U's were able to finally string some passes together and Gibbons' overlapping run was able to produce a good cross. Despite dominating possession, Harris' men have been unable to quickly and efficiently move the ball through and around Shrewsbury's mid block.

With the U's struggling to make it into the Shrewsbury penalty box from open play, Gibbons was called upon to launch the ball into the box from a throw in. His unsuccessful streak of reaching a U's head was continued from Saturday's 4-2 win into today's fixture.

The U's dominance in possession once again created a chance, this time for Ben Knight. Great football between Watts and Brophy. The ball was played into Knight who faked his shot 3 times before his rather tame effort was easily saved by Cox.

Harris made 2 changes at halftime, bringing on Ball and Purrington on for Bennet and Hoddle. Appleton declined to make any changes during the 15 minute break.

The U's looked much the better side in the 2nd half, creating some good opportunities for Appere and Kaikai. The U's were rewarded with 5 minutes of dominance by 2 corners, neither of which amounted to even a shot on target.

Shrewsbury's first time in United's penalty box created their first shot of the game. A corner, courtesy of a defensive mishap, was cleared to the edge of the box by the head of multiple players in amber. The follow up shot was hit clean and true but wide of the target.

Harris made a further 2 changes an hour into the clash. Lavery and Nevitt replaced Brophy and Appere.

Lavery was once again involved quickly after coming on. He was unleashed down the right hand side of the Shrewsbury box. His loose touch was easily claimed by Cox.

Harris' final change was to bring off Mpanzu for McLoughlin. Pelly didn't play well by his own admission but his performance was matched by all 11 in amber. The loudest cheer of the game came when he was replaced.

The U's passing throughout the game was sloppy, lackluster and never pose a threat to Shrewsbury anywhere on the pitch. A game to forget for fans but a game to improve from for players and staff. The U's put on a clinic on how to misplace a pass and fall victim to an average press.

The U's lacked desire and a will to win. The long balls were inaccurate, the 1v1 defending was made harder than it needed to be and there was no movement in the opposition half. A display that had fans groaning throughout the 90, which has become unfamiliar in the recent months.

With time whitling down, no changes available for Harris and the fans frustrated there seemed very little way for the U's to win the game. The players hadn't give up and after Purrington's cross deflected off of Luca Hoole's arm the ref had only 1 thing in her mind. Penalty. After some handbags in the box, Knight stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. His perfectly slotted penalty makes him United's top goal scorer in the league with 5.

This result pushes the U's into the top 3 and 6 points shy off league leaders Bromley.

Credit: @CambridgeUtdFC on X