Shrewsbury Town 0 Blackpool 0 (4-2 pens) - Report and pictures

Lenell John-Lewis fired in the winning penalty after fine spot-kicks from Stefan Payne, Bryn Morris and Joe Riley fired Paul Hurst’s men to a 4-2 penalty victory and two rounds from Wembley.

Danny Philliskirk saw his effort superbly saved by Dean Henderson and Rowan Roache found the crossbar as Shrewsbury booked their place in the last eight draw.

The Meadow encounter petered out during the second period after a number of chances made for a chaotic first-half.

Another shutout across 90 minutes mean Town’s superb rearguard have conceded just one goal in their last seven outings.

As expected, Town boss made a number of changes for the knockout tie. Seven in total, leaving only Henderson, Toto Nsiala, James Bolton and Abu Ogogo among the starters.

After Sunday’s memorable FA Cup tie with West Ham, the visit of Blackpool was always going to prove a quieter, low-key affair. Given Shrewsbury’s massive league clash at Blackburn on Saturday, Hurst was happy to shuffle his pack.

Max Lowe, on loan from Derby, made his full debut after coming from the bench against the Hammers.

Zak Jules, back to full training, had not been recalled from his loan at Chesterfield in sufficient time to make selection, while back-up goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray, who has played in the Trophy so far this season, was left out so Town could adhere to selection regulations.

Ben Godfrey, Mat Sadler and Omar Beckles were suspended while Jon Nolan and Shaun Whalley were given the night off.

FIVE youngsters made up Shrewsbury’s bench. First year professionals George Hughes, John McAtee and Ryan Barnett were joined by Christos Shelis and Ryan Barnett.

Blackpool, 14th in League One, made eight changes themselves. Gary Bowyer’s men are just five points above the drop zone.

Their side contained a trio of Shropshire connections, including Shrewsbury-born ex-TNS hitman Scott Quigley, former AFC Telford stopper Curtis Tilt and Tangerines skipper Jimmy Ryan.

Town were sleeping from the off and Quigley was unable to punish the hosts. Unmarked on the left side of the box, he was denied by Henderson’s legs. Raul Correia’s follow-up was superbly blocked by a gaggle of Town bodies.

In keeping with a dynamic opening 20 minutes played at 100 miles-per-hour, top scorer Payne went close down the other end after tireless pressing on the defence but was denied by debutant goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

While not spectated by many, the open encounter had plenty of entertainment on offer, Benin international Sessi D’Almeida forced Henderson into more work after Blackpool dispossessed Lowe.

From then on it was wave after wave of blue and amber pressure in the open game Town have been involved in this season. It was played in playground end-to-end style.

Payne’s stabbed finish was kept out by the busy Lumley after good attacking work from Lowe, before the lively Riley - whose future is up the air following the arrival of new full-back Luke Hendrie - cut infield superbly and fired just wide with his weaker left foot.

Hurst’s men finally appeared to take a deserved lead on 27 minutes, but only referee Chris Sarginson will know why he decided to disallow Bryn Morris’ free-kick. It flew in from some 40 yards out and appeared a legitimate goal. The official apparently pulled play up for a push.

Lumley was quickly out of his goal to deny Payne again, this time from a tight angle, before Lenell John-Lewis found the crossbar with a header after James Bolton had helped on Morris’ corner.

Angolan Correia, formerly on loan at non-league Guiseley, showed a glimpse of his ability with a fine 25 yard half-volley moments into the re-start. The effort was matched by Henderson’s quality in goal, as Town’s No.1 flew through the air to his left to parry it away.

Bowyer’s men had seized the initiative though and should have worked Henderson further on the hour but Correia shot wastefully over from inside the area.

Keeper Lumley, signed on loan from QPR, almost endured a debut howler as he let Payne’s 25 yard effort squirm through his grasp. Fortunately for the glovesman it dribbled wide.

The second period was a far-cry from the lively first 45 minutes. Blackpool appeared more compact as a unit and Shrewsbury lacked the final ball to carve their visitors open.

Blackpool sub Rowan Roache almost handed the Tangerines a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time after finding space in the box but his goalbound effort cannoned off a team-mate and behind.

But Town survived to send it to spot-kicks and go one step closer - two rounds - from Wembley.

Teams

Shrewsbury Town (4-4-2 diamond):

Henderson; Riley, Bolton, Nsiala, Lowe; B Morris, Ogogo (c), Gnahoua (Rodman, 74), Dodds; Payne, John-Lewis.

Subs not used: MacGillivray (gk), C Morris, Hughes, McAtee, Barnett, Shelis

Blackpool (4-3-3):

Lumley; Turton, Aimson, Tilt, Anderton; Cooke, Ryan (c), D’Almeida (McAlister, 59); Philliskirk, Quigley (Delfouneso, 74), Correia (Roache, 74)

Subs not used: Mafoumbi (gk), Mellor, Daniel.

Referee: Christopher Sarginson

Attendance: 1,362 (85 away fans)