West Ham United lucky to avoid defeat at Shrewsbury Town

West Ham United have played out a goalless draw against League One Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.

The Premier League club were nowhere near their best, with both teams struggling to string passes together.

They will now meet in a replay at the London Stadium later this month.

Shrewsbury were the better team in the first half but failed to test Joe Hart in the opening stages. A Jon Nolan free-kick hit the wall before Carlton Morris headed over the bar.

Shaun Whalley caused minor problems for Hart with a free-kick into the box and Omar Beckles sent the ball over the bar.

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The game shot into life in the 35th minute when defender Mat Sadler broke through and forced Hart into an excellent low save to his left.

Just two minutes later, and it was Alex Rodman’s turn to have a go. He found space 20 yards from goal but Hart dived to his left to parry the shot away.

Both teams cancelled each other out at the start of the second half, with Hart and Dean Henderson both plucking crosses out of the air.

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Abu Ogogo nearly broke through the West Ham defence, going past Angelo Ogbonna but was held up in the penalty area and the ball was eventually cleared.

Youngster Josh Cullen, one of the few bright sparks for West Ham, had his tooth knocked out after it met the high boot of Agogo and, after a lengthy pause, the free-kick was wasted by Pedro Obiang.

Whalley tried to create down the right wing and did well to get past Declan Rice but his cross failed to trouble the West Ham defence.

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With six minutes remaining, Nolan was fouled by Obiang and, after good work from Aristote Nsiala, the ball fell to Nolan in the area but his shot blazed over the bar.

Stefan Payne nearly broke through the West Ham defence deep into stoppage time but he was eventually crowded out by the West Ham defence.

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