Shrewsbury 2 Carlisle 3

Last updated : 29 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Shrewsbury Town's 53-year reign as a Football League club came to an end when a 3-2 home defeat against fellow strugglers Carlisle United sentenced the Gay Meadow club to the Nationwide Conference.

Needing victory to carry their relegation fight into the final day of the season on Saturday, Shrewsbury suffered their seventh straight reversal as they surrendered the Football League status they have proudly held since 1950.

Although skipper Nigel Jemson fired them ahead from the penalty spot on the half hour, Kevin Ratcliffe's men were rocked as the visitors scored twice in two minutes before the break to establish a 2-1 lead.

Five minutes into the second half, the game was up for the Shrews as Brian Wake completed his hat-trick to give Carlisle a 3-1 advantage.

To make matters even worse for the home side substitute Ryan Lowe was sent off just three minutes after coming on for an apparent head-butt - and although top scorer Luke Rodgers netted a late consolation five minutes from time there was to be no reprieve for the Shrews, who less than four months ago knocked Premiership high-flyers Everton out of the FA Cup.

Needing wins from their final two games to have any chance of beating the drop, Shrewsbury were quickly out of the blocks and had Carlisle under constant pressure before Jemson broke the deadlock - netting from the spot after strike partner Rodgers had been sent crashing to the floor in the box.

But their joy was short-lived as Wake netted from close range in the 36th minute to bring the Cumbrians level - and he took advantage of more slack defending to sidefoot the visitors ahead 90 seconds later.

This woeful Shrewsbury defence, who conceded their 89th league goal of the season when Wake gave Carlisle the lead, were breached again in the 50th minute when he was left unmarked to tap home from three yards to put the issue beyond any doubt - and ensure safety for the Brunton Park club in the process.

Down to ten men following Lowe's red card Shrewsbury battled hard and Rodgers reduced the scoreline in the 85th minute, but it was far too late to alter the outcome.