Roody's Carlisle banish Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury’s 53-year stay in the Football League ended when they were beaten 3-2 by fellow strugglers Carlisle, who conversely secured their status in Division Three for another season.

The Shrews had to win their remaining two matches and hope other results went their way but they failed at the first hurdle.

They got off to the best possible start when former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson scored from the penalty spot in the 31st minute but just six minutes later they were behind thanks to a double from Brian Wake.

Shrewsbury, without a win since March 1, saw the the Nationwide Conference beckoning when Wake completed his hat-trick.

Manager Kevin Ratcliffe, who masterminded an FA Cup victory over Barclaycard Premiership Everton earlier in the year, sent on Ryan Lowe with 24 minutes to go but the substitute lasted just two minutes before he received a red card for violent conduct.

Luke Rodgers hit back for the home side with six minutes to go but it was too little too late and Shrewsbury dropped out of the league.

Elsewhere in Division Three Andrew Morrell’s 25th-minute penalty was the only goal as Wrexham won at Leyton Orient – who had Justin Miller sent off in the 23rd-minute – while Rochdale hung on to win 2-1 at home to Hull, who could not find an equaliser to follow Ben Burgess’ 65th-minute goal.

Lee McEvilly (6) and Darren Hockenhull (18) had put Dale ahead in the first half.

In Division Two, Tranmere’s re-arranged game from Saturday saw them prevail 3-1 against relegated Mansfield, although they left it late.

Gary Jones (15) had given the home side the lead but Liam Lawrence equalised from the penalty spot nine minutes after the interval.

However, Simon Haworth (81) and substitute Jason Price (90) sealed maximum points for Rovers.