Cambridge kept their slim League One survival hopes alive with a 1-0 win over foot-of-the-table Shrewsbury.

Dom Ballard scored the decisive goal after 75 minutes to move six points clear of their opponents.

The visitors came closest to scoring early on, as Ryan Loft’s snapshot hit the outside of Jamal Blackman’s post and trickled wide.

Cambridge thought they had grounds for a penalty soon after when Dom Ballard fell in the area under pressure from Aaron Pierre, but referee Ollie Yates pointed the other way for a Shrewsbury free-kick.

Neil Harris’ side enjoyed the bulk of possession in the early stages of the second period, but it was Shrewsbury who nearly opened the scoring midway through the half as substitute Luca Hoole poked wide following Jack Stevens’ save.

Cambridge battled back, however, and broke the deadlock with 15 minutes left.

Southampton loanee Dom Ballard pounced on a loose ball in the hosts’ half, composed himself, and fired past Blackman from just inside the box.

Shrewsbury had a fine chance to level late on but Hoole headed over the crossbar after ghosting into the area unmarked.