Boss tells Shrewsbury Town to stop costly late slips
Boss Graham Turner has called for maximum concentration for the entire game as Shrewsbury Town aim to conjure an away- day special at Brentford tonight.
While Town have largely defended solidly in the opening weeks of the League One campaign, momentary lapses – particularly late in games – have proved costly and left Town with just one clean sheet to their name so far this season.
And Turner admits it is vital his side stay switched on as they begin a testing away double-header with a trip to Griffin Park.
“The number of goals we have given away late in the game has been a concern,” said the Town boss.
“There was another one against Swindon on Saturday coming towards the end of the game.
“It’s a matter of making sure we keep our concentration.
“We would be in a great position if the game lasted 85 minutes but there are games when we have conceded too many late goals and it’s something we have to address if we can.
“There are a lot of canny and clever players in this League and teams that keep going. You have to see the 90 minutes plus whatever stoppage time is played out.”
Town head south to face a Brentford side who have won their last three home games, and Turner knows his side will have to be at their best to return with a reward.
“It’s not an easy place to go to so we have to work for whatever we can get from them,” he added.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chris Weale is hoping history repeats itself as Shrewsbury aim to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing home defeat to Swindon.
Last month’s 1-0 home reverse to Scunthorpe was followed swiftly by a 4-1 defeat of Coventry four days later, and Weale is hoping for a similar response.
“We didn’t perform as well as we we would like on Saturday but we have got a quick chance to put things right tonight,” said the former Leicester shot-stopper.
“We did that against Coventry a few weeks ago and, even though we are away from home, we have to look to do the same again.”