The defeat puts the Cumbrians deeper into the relegation mire with a gap starting to open up on the bottom three made up of Halifax, Macclesfield and Carlisle.

Manager Roddy Collins acknowledged the poor performance after the game and said: "We were poor, I know that, and I understand the fans' frustrations. They pay money and are entitled to show their disapproval. But I took over a squad of players on contract who were not good enough for this club. I need another four players and I will not leave here tonight until I have some guarantees."

Shrewsbury manager summed things up perfectly when he said after the game: "I understand there was a fans boycott tonight. I would imagine the fans here tonight, home or away, wouldn't want to come back after watching a game like that."

Former Sunderland winger Sam Aiston had the first chance of the game for Shrewsbury but his shot was comfortably saved by Peter Keen.

Carlisle's first attempt on goal took 20 minutes to materialise with Dave Morley volleying wide Richie Foran's headed lay off.

Shrewsbury were unlucky not to take the lead on 23 minutes when a Nigel Jemson header came back off the bar.

Steve Halliday then went close for the Cumbrians, heading over from a Mark Birch cross.

On 39 minutes Luke Rogers forced Keen into a full length save with a left foot volley from Gregg Rioch's cross.

In first half injury time Shrews keeper Ian Dunbavin failed to clear the ball 30 yards out leaving Peter Murphy clear but the Carlisle defender's lob went narrowly wide.

Seven minutes into the second half a Moss cross was volleyed over by Luke Rogers but Carlisle responded with Foran heading over from a McGill cross.

On 69 minutes Carlisle should have taken the lead but Dave Rogers weak header from a Murphy free kick was cleared off the line by Micky Heathcote.

The winner came with five minutes remaining when a Lowes shot was blocked by Rogers and the loose ball broke to Nigel Jemson to curl a left foot shot into the top corner.

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