Aaron Wilbraham rues missed Shrewsbury Town chances in defeat to Lincoln

Town paid for a sluggish start at Montgomery Waters Meadow as midfielder Jorge Grant headed in his 12th goal of the season in a narrow victory for the promotion-pushing Imps.

The home side improved markedly having switched from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 and forged some glorious chances as first a Josh Vela deflected strike found the woodwork before the midfielder smashed his side's gilt-edged chance wide on the stroke of half-time.

Salop, who wrapped up League One safety with a win at Blackpool on Saturday, did not create enough to force a leveller after the break but stayed competitive against an impressive Lincoln side who still have it all to play for this term.

Wilbraham said: "We didn't start the game very brightly and they did.

"But I think in the end we probably deserved to win the game 2-1 if you look at Josh Vela's two chances.

"I think Josh Vela is disappointed with them, it was unlucky after great runs for both chances.

"We didn't start the game brightly and found ourselves goal down. but I was really pleased with the reaction to the goal, we didn't let it affect us.

"We ended up with some good chances, probably better than Lincoln had on the night.

"Vels is so reliable in those position, he's got great technique that we see in training, there's no-one more disappointed than Josh. He was unlucky with both finishes, one that hit the post, and another in the second half where he decided to take a touch, but that's easy to see from the sides."

Shrewsbury sprung a surprise in starting right-back Donald Love in an advanced right forward role, with midfielder David Davis at right-back from the off as the home side struggled to contain rampant City.

But Cotterill, working from afar, made the call to return to 4-3-3 midway through the first period and Salop - led by the excellent Davis - were much the better side for the remainder of the half.

Wilbraham added: "The goal they scored it wouldn't matter what formation we played, it was a good ball, drifted to the back post. The lads usually defend the back area quite well and could've defended that a bit better maybe.

"The gaffer chose the personnel in the team that he did so we could switch to the 3-5-2 without making an early sub if we needed to.

"It was a shame they started bright and we took a while to get in it. If we stay in the game at that point we could maybe change at 0-0."

The night will best be remembered for a league for 17-year-old academy first-year scholar Tom Bloxham, the 6ft 5ins striker, formerly of Leicester City, who attended Oswestry School. Bloxham's bow follows up first league appearances for 18-year-old Charlie Caton.

"He's another one who deserved it, like Charlie, Tom works really hard when he comes up with the first team." Wilbraham said. "He's got that rawness about him where he doesn't care who he kicks, the captain or the biggest player."