FA Cup: Shrewsbury Town 2 Morecambe 0 - Report and Pictures

Wingers Alex Rodman and Shaun Whalley both struck their fifth goals of the season after the 30 minute mark to down spirited Morecambe, who lacked any cutting edge in the final third.

A professional and confident second period saw out the tie, where Town were unfortunately not to add to their tally.

After making the third stage for just the third time in eight seasons, Shrews fans can begin to dream of the outcome to Monday’s third round draw, where the Premier League big guns enter the competition.

They will hope memories of Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool visiting Shrewsbury over the years will be added to.

Analysis:

Hurst unsurprisingly opted for a strong side with just one enforced change from last week’s League One defeat to Bradford.

On-loan Dean Henderson was again not permitted to play in the competition by Manchester United, with Craig MacGillivray again deputising.

Only the memorable run a couple of years ago, where Louis Van Gaal brought his Manchester United side to the Meadow, springs out in the minds of younger Town generations as a cup memory.

A third-round trip to Middlesbrough is Shrewsbury’s only other third round encounter since 2010.

And Hurst was keen for his side to return to their winning groove after successive defeats for the first time this season. Though a disappointing evening in Bury was somewhat put to bed at least with the manner of defeat against Bradford.

Struggling Morecambe, managed by ex-Telford legend Jim Bentley, are struggling for goals and cheer in League Two.

Their bid for a rare third round appearance was made all the tougher with the absence of the wily 38-year-old Kevin Ellison through injury.

Shrewsbury showed few signs of two defeats as Alex Rodman found the base of the post inside 90 seconds, with Ben Godfrey then heading over the top.

But aside from their early flurry Town failed to knit any more moves of note together in the opening quarter.

Bentley’s visitors grew in stature and confidence, playing attractive football, notably in the middle of the park, where they were not afraid to match their higher-ranked hosts on the ball.

Hurst’s side did threaten when asking questions of the Shrimps’ backline. Toto Nsiala misjudged a presentable header before Stefan Payne latched onto a fine right-sided move to drill wide across goal.

After a fairly even half hour - just like the first round against Aldershot - Town turned on the style.

Hurst’s men showed their ruthless streak firstly as winger Rodman tucked home following fine right wing play by Whalley.

Merely five minutes later Whalley sent Jon Nolan bursting clear. He was halted by Barry Roche in the box, leaving Whalley the task from 12 yards - one he accepted with glee.

A fine finish high into the top right, particularly given his disappointment after hitting the post in the loss at Bury.

It was the type of attacking that separates the sides top of League One and bottom of League Two.

Bentley rolled the dice at the break for the visitors. He sent striker Vadaine Oliver on for defensive midfielder Alex Kenyon, while Aaron McGowan replaced Patrick Brough, who was finding life tough against Whalley.

Town looked comfortable in the second period. The Shrimps almost inadvertently grabbed a foothold as Garry Thompson’s cross almost caught MacGillivray out at his back post.

The home side were comfortable with their two-goal lead and not showing too many signs of going for the jugular.

Town’s notorious Block 19 were in the mood. What looked like one of the better atmospheres of the campaign - despite the lower attendance - seemed to be aided by Shrews’ missing goalkeeper.

Henderson was reportedly amid the Town pack, conducting the chants and further growing his blossoming relationship with Salopians.

Back in the action and sub Louis Dodds was desperate to add his name to the scoresheet. The No.10 went close three times shortly after coming on, having an effort blocked, denied by Roche and rolling one wide.

The last 20 minutes, where Carlton Morris and Arthur Gnahoua were introduced, contained n lack of excitement as Town hunted for a third but were denied by a combination of Roche and shooting off-target.

Securing a third round place came at an ideal time for Shrews to return to winning ways and they did so in style, while never having to find top gear.

Key moments:

2 - Alex Rodman receives it from Jon Nolan and strikes the foot of the post with a low effort.

20 - Toto Nsiala passes up a decent opening from a Shaun Whalley corner after misjudging the header while unmarked.

22 - Andy Fleming strikes wide from distance in the Shrimps’ first effort on goal.

23 - Stefan Payne fires narrowly wide across goal after attractive approach play involving Jon Nolan and James Bolton who played a one-two.

27 - Whalley’s stunning delivery from the right flashes across goal without anybody getting a touch.

32 - TOWN GOAL!! Lovely goal. Omar Beckles sprays a diagonal pass to Whalley, who turns Steven Old inside out with a nutmeg before laying the ball on a plate for opposite winger Alex Rodman to gobble up.

37 - TOWN GOAL!! Five minutes later and Town double their lead. Whalley’s ball over the visiting defence for Nolan. The midfielder opts to take the ball around goalkeeper Barry Roche, who brings down the Shrews man.

Roche receives a yellow and not red thanks to double-jeopardy and Whalley makes no mistake from 12 yards, firing high and in.

53 - Craig MacGillivray reacts at the back post to keep out Garry Thompson’s goalbound cross.

56 - Rodman is halted at the final moment as he takes down Whalley’s cross and looks to let fly.

67 - Louis Dodds goes close twice inside a minute. First denied by Barry Roche then rolling one just wide.

68 - MacGillivray does well to contend with Thompson’s fierce drive.

83 - Dodds cannot turn a low cross from Bryn Morris home.

86 - MacGillivray makes a superb save to deny Callum Lang after James Bolton was caught dwelling on the ball. Nsiala took a knock while bursting back but recovered after an extending spell on the deck.

90+1 - Carlton Morris fires at Roche after turning a defender expertly.

Teams

Shrewsbury (4-1-4-1):

MacGillivray; Bolton, Nsiala, Beckles, Sadler ©; B Morris; Whalley (C Morris, 80), Godfrey (Dodds, 59), Nolan, Rodman (Gnahoua, 70); Payne

Subs not used: Gregory (gk), Riley, Adams, John-Lewis.

Morecambe (4-2-3-1):

Roche; Lund, Muller, Old, Brough (McGowan, 45); Fleming, Kenyon © (Oliver, 45); Thompson, Wildig, Campbell (Lang, 79); McGurk

Subs not used: Nizic (gk), Winnard, Osborne, Rose.

Referee: Craig Hicks

Attendance: 3,184 (312 away fans)

Star man - Shaun Whalley