Shrewsbury Town 2 - 0 Oxford United - Lawrence inspires Shrews win

Posted Sunday, March 22, 2015 by PA

Shrewsbury moved a step closer towards realising their promotion ambitions with a 2-0 home win over Oxford.

Liam Lawrence scored both goals for Shrewsbury who had to play more than half an hour a man short after Rhys Sharpe was sent off.

Shrewsbury made a flying start as they raced into a second-minute lead. Cameron Gayle was caught by Oxford captain Jake Wright and Shrewsbury skipper Lawrence clinically converted the resulting penalty.

James Collins then volleyed over from close range for Shrewsbury before Oxford grew in confidence as the first half developed.

Shrewsbury keeper Jayson Leutwiler had to be alert to deal with a Kemar Roofe near-post drive and then he came racing off his line to block an effort from Oxford's leading scorer Danny Hylton.

Shrewsbury were reduced to 10 men just shy of the hour as left wing-back Sharpe, on loan from Derby County, was dismissed for two bookings in quick succession.

Oxford had chances with Callum O'Dowda heading just wide before Shrewsbury doubled their lead eight minutes from time when Lawrence drilled in a 20-yard free kick to keep Micky Mellon's side second in the table.