Shrewsbury 1 Lincoln 0: Salop win gives them survival hope

The win, Salop's second under Gareth Ainsworth, moved them off the bottom of the third tier of English football and to within six points of 20th-placed Northampton Town - who come to the Meadow on Sunday. 

Salop have struggled on Boxing Day in recent years winning just two of their last 15 games but that was not the case here on a foggy day in Shropshire as Morgan Feeney's goal in the 10th minute proved to be the game's decisive moment. 

Town's defending has been desperate at times this season but they got their first clean sheet under Ainsworth - it was the first time they had not conceded in a game since the 3-0 win against Leyton Orient back in August. 

They could have won by more - but second-half substitute John Marquis missed a late penalty after a handball in the box prevented Jordan Rossiter from doubling Town's lead. 

Shrewsbury's home form has been poor in 2024 but they registered their third home win of the season with the victory over a disappointing Lincoln side who lost ground on the top six. 

REPORT

Ainsworth made five changes to his Salop starting XI to face Lincoln City. It was slightly surprising after his side got a battling 2-2 draw at Wigan on Saturday. 

Most Salop fans would have expected Tom Bloxham to come into the side with the impact he made at the weekend, and Leo Casteldine, who helped create the equaliser. 

They did, but there were also recalls to the starting lineup for Taylor Perry, Aaron Pierre and George Lloyd. 

Rotherham loanee Josh Kayode has had a terrible time of it since he arrived in Shropshire. He had not featured since Town's EFL cup defeat to Fulham under-21s at the end of August, but he returned to the bench for this one. 

Town played a three at the back at Wigan, and they did so again here. Josh Feeney was the central man with Pierre to his left and Morgan Feeney to his right.

Mal Benning and Luca Hoole were the wing-backs as Perry played in midfield alongside Bloxham, Castledine and Jordan Shipley - who was wearing the captain's armband. 

Lloyd, who scored the equaliser at the weekend at The Brick Community Stadium, led the line on his own. 

And Shrewsbury got just the start they would have wanted. 

They have conceded goals in the first 15 minutes of the last three games, but this time, instead of letting one in, they led. 

It was a wonderful corner routine with Castledine and Shipley involved. The ball eventually made its way to Benning, who got to the byline and pulled it back to Morgan Feeney, who poked it home. 

It has been a feature of Shrews' play under Ainsworth. They have used inventive corner routines from time to time - and it proved dividends on this occasion. 

After the goal, the game fitted into a familiar routine as Lincoln saw plenty of the ball with Shrewsbury defending in numbers. 

There were a few scary moments but not a clear-cut opportunity for the Imps until just before the break. 

An outstanding cross from Sean Roughan, with the outside of his left foot, was met at the far post by Dom Jefferies, but his header was brilliantly saved by Blackman in goal.  

The keeper had made another couple of important interceptions before that to help slow Lincoln down when they were looking dangerous. 

Salop offered very little in the first period apart from the goal - but Shipley did sting the palms of George Wickens with a shot from distance right before the break after another well-worked corner routine.

Ainsworth went to his bench at the break bringing on Funso Ojo for Perry - who had been booked. 

Bailey Cadamarteri saw a header go inches wide as Lincoln looked for a way back into the game, and he also headed onto the Salop crossbar. 

For Town, Benning went close when he was played after good work from half-time substitute Funso Ojo, but it was at a narrow angle, and he could not find a way to get it past Wickens, who parried behind for a corner.

And there was drama right up until the end as John Marquis missed a late penalty after Dylan Duffy had deliberately handled the ball in the area. 

But it was a poor spot kick and Wickens easily denied him.

The Imps pilled on the pressure as six minutes were added on at the end of the clash but they held on, and if nothing else, they now have hope. 

TEAMS

Shrews: Blackman, Hoole, Benning, M Feeney, J Feeney, Lloyd (Marquis 70), Perry (Ojo 45), Pierre, Bloxham (Gilliead 76), Castledine, Shipley (Rossiter 84). 

Subs not used: Savin, Kayode, O'Reilly.

Lincoln: Wickens, Darrika, Erhahon, Hackett, Cadamarteri (Draper 71), McGrandles (Bayliss 61), O'Connor, Jefferies (Duffy 64), House (Street 71), Roughan, Makama (Moylan 61). 

Subs not used: Pardington, Hamilton.