The Shrimps led 1-0 for much of the game after a superb free-kick from Carl Baker on 32 minutes but they could not find the second goal they seem to need these days to stand a chance of winning.

They did come close as both Matty Blinkhorn and Henry McStay saw shots hit the woodwork in a period of intense second half pressure but in the end they were left hanging on.

The result only served to add to boss Sammy McIlroy's recent frustrations.

He said: "Once again I can't doubt effort and commitment but until we can keep clean sheets and kill games off we will struggle.''

The Shrimps had an early chance to take the lead when Blinkhorn had a free header in the sixth minute but after being found by Jon Newby's perfect cross but directed his effort straight at Scott Bevan.

Then it was Shrewsbury's turn to miss a great opening when Steve Leslie was through but skied an effort well over from eight yards when he should have done much better.

It took a fine strike from the returning Baker to kick the game into life as his superb 32nd-minute free kick from the edge of the area flew into the bottom left-hand corner of Bevan's goal.

Morecambe then came close to extending their advantage early in the second half as Blinkhorn and then McStay smacked volleys against the crossbar with Bevan beaten.

After coming close to a second, Morecambe then had to endure a Shrewsbury fightback.

The visitors thought they had levelled on 63 minutes when former Preston man Dave Hibbert scored from close range, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

Undeterred, Shrewsbury continued to push forward with Davies saving superbly from Leslie before the visitors received their reward 20 minutes from time when Hibbert kept his cool to cross for Marc Pugh to score from close range.

The game then swung from end to end as both sides pushed for a winner.
Bevan did well to save from Baker and then Paul Lloyd before Shrewsbury substitute James Constable missed two glorious last-gasp chances.

On 83 minutes, he was presented with an open goal but headed wide from just four yards out and then blazed over when one on one with Davies who did enough to put the striker off his stride.

Morecambe (1) 1
Baker 32


Shrewsbury (0) 1
Pugh 70

Coca Cola Football League Two
Tuesday, April 8
at Christie Park

Morecambe


Davies 7

Yates 7

Bentley 8

McStay 7

Adams 7

Curtis 6

Drummond 7

Stanley 6

Baker 7

Blinkhorn 6

Newby 6

Subs
Hunter (for Drummond 32)
Grand (for Newby 79)
Lloyd (for Curtis 84)
Unused subs: Jalal, Burns.

Shrewsbury Town: Bevan, Moss, Kempson, Murdock, Tierney, McIntyre, Davies (Constable 79), Herd, Pugh, Hibbert, Leslie (Humphrey 63). Unused subs: Garner, Madjo, Ryan.

Att: 1,634
Referee: M Jones

Mcbe Shrews
On target 8 6
Off target6 6
Fouls 13 12
Corner 7 7
Offsides 4 1

Starman: Jim Bentley
Match sponsor: Atkinsons Fish and Chips