Michael Appleton’s reaction after Salop’s defeat to Crawley Town: ‘The referee spoiled the game’

The Town boss bemoaned referee decisions after their 2-1 loss at the Croud Meadow that brought Salop’s disappointing season to an end. 

Shrewsbury had shown promise throughout the first-half and were level with Crawley at the break. However, a penalty was given just minutes into the second period and a red card was shown to Josh Feeney - a decision Appleton disputed. 

“It’s hard to look beyond the performance of the referee,” said Appleton.

“I don’t like making excuses, but I had a conversation with him at the end of the game, and I am not sure if it is any consolation, but he did say that it wasn’t his greatest game and that he has had better days in the middle. 

“I am just disappointed because we have a young kid who has done well ever since I have been in the building and he gets sent off for absolutely nothing. It is bad enough to concede a penalty and go a goal down, but to lose a player as well is difficult.

“The response of the players was something that I can hold on to. The lads kept going, we actually caused them a few issues as well.

“I am glad the lads had a right go. I think the referee spoiled the game, there is no doubt about it.”

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy provided Crawley with a 48th-minute lead, hammering home the spot-kick. Max Anderson then added a second on the volley.

Mal Benning gave Shrewsbury hope through his late consolation goal, but Shrewsbury were unable to find a leveller. 

Appleton added that he thought it was a “certain penalty” when George Lloyd went down under challenge in the first-half. And, the Salop boss thought his side deserved to be ahead before the break.

He added: “We should have given the fans a lot to cheer for in the first-half. 

“There are lots for me to take comfort from, there were a lot of things that happened that I already knew and I am not surprised about. And, they are the things that I will come into the summer window with.”

Town’s decade-long stay in League One officially came to an end and the search for Appleton’s first home win continues into the new campaign. 

Asked if the last games served as an opportunity to find out things about the players he has inherited, Appleton continued: “That is probably the most important thing for me, in terms of having an idea of what I have got for next year, who can deal with what, who can play where. Strengths and weaknesses of certain individuals.

“This little period of games has been crucial for that, and I want to say a big thank you to the fans as well. They stayed and clapped the players at the end, they didn’t have to do that. 

“I am sure we will give them more next year, I have no doubts about that.”