Tommy Leigh scores again as Bristol Rovers beat Shrewsbury

In-form Tommy Leigh eased Bristol Rovers’ relegation fears with a second-half strike that secured his side a 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Shrewsbury.

The Bradford loanee’s fourth goal in three games proved enough to settle a tense contest of few chances and earned Rovers a victory that opened up a 10-point gap over the League Two drop zone.

Shrewsbury, who remain one point and one place above their opponents in 18th, controlled the early exchanges and skipper Will Boyle saw a diving header flash narrowly off target before on-loan Brentford striker Iwan Morgan twice drove shots just wide.

Shrews manager Gavin Cowan was cautioned for dissent by referee David Rock just before the break as frustration boiled over at his side’s inability to make the most of their dominance.

Tottenham loanee Yusuf Akhamrich was sent on by Rovers manager Steve Evans just after the hour-mark break to liven up his attack and he twice went close with shots from just outside the box.

Akhamrich continued to put Rovers on the front foot and the pressure finally told after 79 minutes when attacking midfielder Leigh’s shot from the edge of the box bounced off the turf and was deflected past former Rovers goalkeeper Matthew Cox.