A pair of contrasting contests lit up the midweek Sky Bet League Two schedule, with Barnet leaving it late to claim a crucial victory at Accrington while in-form Shrewsbury extended their winning run to five games with another composed comeback on the road.

Tshimanga Strikes Late as Barnet Edge Accrington

Barnet returned to winning ways for the first time in four games as Kabongo Tshimanga’s composed late finish secured a deserved three points at the Wham Stadium.

The striker struck in the 81st minute after Idris Kanu lofted a long ball over the top. Tshimanga shrugged off the final defender and coolly lifted his finish over goalkeeper Ollie Wright, sealing his 10th goal of the season.

The Bees had dominated against a depleted Accrington side who were only able to name four outfield substitutes. They thought they had taken the lead inside the opening minute, only for Tshimanga’s close-range effort to be ruled offside.

Ryan Glover was a persistent threat, forcing Wright into a smart save from a free-kick before seeing a fierce drive deflected on to the crossbar. At the other end, Barnet keeper Cieran Slicker kept out efforts from Charlie Brown and Seamus Conneely to ensure the hosts stayed level at the break.

Barnet continued to control proceedings in the second half, with Callum Stead having a goalbound shot blocked, Glover firing narrowly wide from distance and Wright twice denying both Glover and Nnamdi Ofoborh. Their pressure finally told, and Tshimanga’s late moment of quality ensured Barnet’s promotion push stayed firmly on track.

Shrewsbury Make It Five Straight with Comeback at Salford

Shrewsbury Town’s excellent form rolled on as Will Boyle struck the winner in a 2–1 comeback victory at Salford—on a night when homegrown hero Joe Hart returned in a temporary role as goalkeeper coach.

Hart, who began his career with the Shrews, watched on as Gavin Cowan’s in-form side recovered from a half-time deficit to earn their fifth straight league win and maintain their surge up the table.

Salford had started positively, with Ossama Ashley and Jorge Grant both going close before taking the lead in stoppage time. Matthew Cox pushed out a mis-hit volley from Ryan Graydon, only for the ball to ricochet off Luca Hoole and into the net for an unfortunate own goal.

Shrewsbury responded impressively after the interval. Six minutes into the second half, Tom Sang found the bottom corner from the edge of the box after Josh Ruffels’ initial effort had been cleared off the line.

Salford came agonisingly close to retaking the lead when Josh Austerfield thundered a header against the bar, and Ben Woodburn saw a volley cleared off the line moments later. But those missed opportunities proved costly, as Boyle swept home the winner on 76 minutes to complete another resilient Shrews fightback.

Karl Robinson’s side, now beaten in five straight games, were left to rue their missed chances on a night full of frustration.

Sky Bet League Two round-up: Bees sting late as Shrews maintain surge

Sky Bet League Two round-up: Bees sting late as Shrews maintain surge