Cheltenham lined up in a 3-5-2 system, with Dan Nlundulu leading the line alongside Alfie May. In what was a first half dominated by the home side, Shrewsbury created four glorious chances to open the scoring. The first arrived in the 12th minute and began with a superb passing move which saw Bayliss play the ball out to Jordan Shipley who then used his pace to cut inside. The versatile left wing-back then sent in a low-driven cross, but it was well-defended by the away side. Just before the 20-minute mark, Town threatened again in a move that started with Carl Winchester winning the ball high up the pitch.
Shrewsbury captain Luke Leahy also picked up a red card for his part in the melee after the incident. Steve Cotterill opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation at Montgomery Waters Meadow for what was Shrewsbury's first game at home since December 10. Tom Flanagan came back into the starting line-up after falling ill before the Boxing Day fixture at Cambridge – with his return seeing Taylor Moore revert to right wing-back. Up front, Rob Street and Christian Saydee continued their partnership with Tom Bayliss in the number 10 role.
Shrewsbury Town vs Cheltenham Town on 29 Dec 22 - Match CentreShrewsbury fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cheltenham on Thursday night in what was a frustrating evening at the Meadow. Despite Shrewsbury's many great chances, away side got the only goal of the game in the 38th minute through Dan Nlundulu, who poked home at the front post. The game took a feisty turn in the 70th minute when the Robins captain, Charlie Raglan, received a red for a two-footed challenge on Jordan Shipley.