Ben Knight’s late penalty earned Cambridge a 1-0 League Two win over Shrewsbury to send the U’s into an automatic promotion spot.
The game looked set to end in a goalless draw until Luca Hoole handled Ben Purrington’s cross in the final minute of normal time.
With the game entering five added minutes, Knight sent Shrews goalkeeper Matthew Cox the wrong way from the spot.
The best chance of the game to that point had come after six minutes when Louis Appere’s exceptional pass played Sullay Kaikai through on goal, but debutant stopper Cox rushed out to deny him.
Shrewsbury’s only chance came after 55 minutes when Tom Sang’s corner fell to Josh Ruffels, who could only shoot wide of the post.
Knight had another chance for Cambridge 12 minutes from time when substitute Shayne Lavery’s pull back found him.
His low effort again lacked power and Cox saved comfortably, but there was still time for him to net his side’s dramatic winner to send the U’s into the top three for the first time all season.
