Shrewsbury see off Mansfield with late strikes after Norburn red

Posted Sunday, December 01, 2019 by PA

Shrewsbury struck twice late on to beat Mansfield 2-0 and reach the third round of the FA Cup despite playing the final half-hour with a man less.

Josh Laurent and Brad Walker netted for the League One side, who had captain Ollie Norburn sent off after 60 minutes.

Shrewsbury started brightly with Dave Edwards turning an inviting cross from Donald Love just wide at the near post.

Edwards then headed a corner goalwards, which was helped on by Aaron Pierre, but Mansfield did well to scramble the ball clear.

Mansfield forward Andy Cook had a header saved by Shrewsbury goalkeeper Max O’Leary at the other end as the first half remained goalless.

Nicky Maynard set up Cook early in the second half as the League Two outfit searched for the opener but defender Ro-Shaun Williams made a timely clearance for the hosts.

Shrewsbury then had Norburn dismissed on the hour for what appeared to be an incident in the centre-circle, but the 10 men responded positively, with Love going close before the hosts made the breakthrough in the 88th minute.

Daniel Udoh’s shot was blocked and Laurent pounced to turn the ball home from close range.

Walker then doubled the advantage deep into stoppage time, taking the ball past the keeper before scoring after being sent clear by his fellow substitute Udoh.