KAIKAI KNOCKS DOWN SHREWS
RICHARD Money hailed a landmark goal for Cambridge after substitute Sullay Kaikai’s late equaliser earned his side a point and knocked Shrewsbury off the top of League Two.
Kaikai, on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season, was in the right place at the right time deep into stoppage time to turn in a Cambridge leveller which delighted Money.
Shrewsbury, the masters of scoring important late goals in the division this season, this time found themselves on the receiving end as a lead given to them by Bobby Grant in the 16th minute was wiped out.
Cambridge boss Money said: “The way we got the point was an important landmark for the group really because we have had a habit in some of the recent games where we’ve lost a goal and then gone another one behind very quickly.
“We’ve spoken over the last few days of making sure we stay in the game and that if we lose a goal it’s not the end of the world.
“If you stay in the game and keep it at one you’ve always got an opportunity to score in the 93rd or 94th minute. I think that’s probably the first time we’ve done that this year, scored that late, I’m not sure, but I was really pleased for the group that we picked up the result that way.
“I think it was a landmark moment in terms of the understanding of what’s required to get a result against the best teams in the league.”
Money also had words of praise for Kaikai who showed a cool head to secure an impressive away point:“He’s someone we think the world of,” he added.
“We’re really grateful to Palace for letting us have him.”
Shrewsbury started brightly and took the lead just after Tyrone Barnett was unfortunate to see his shot hit the bar.
The hosts kept the pressure on and James Collins floated over a cross from the right which Mickey Demetriou headed down and Grant fired in a low shot from 18 yards.
Cambridge responded well and the dangerous Jordan Slew twice forced keeper Jayson Leutwiler into sharp saves.
The second half saw chances at both ends with Leutwiler brilliantly keeping out a point-blank header from Josh Coulson and also dealing with another effort from Slew.
Shrewsbury were close to doubling their lead late on when Grant’s free-kick from wide on the right was touched onto the bar by Dunn – and that paved the way for Kaikai’s rescue act.
Shrewsbury manager Micky Mellon said: “Not to take all three points is obviously disappointing but the way the results have gone it’s a big point gained so we’ll look at the positives and, like we do with all games, we’ll move on very quickly
“It was a good goal from Bob, a good finish.
“I think we hit the bar a couple of times but we just couldn’t get that second goal which probably would have seen us over the line, but we won’t dwell on it too long, we’ll move on.”