Five talking points from Shrewsbury Town's win over Oldham
Following Shrewsbury Town's win over Oldham, we take a look at five talking points from the game.
Home form
Town have conceded just one goal in eight at Greenhous Meadow under Paul Hurst, a remarkable return.
The boss is understandably keen to play things down and keep expectations low, but considering Salop shipped 18 goals in 10 home games previously, the record deserves praise.
One of the boss's first jobs was to fix a leaky defence.
He utilised the players at his disposal, breathing life into the reborn Mat Sadler, while new signings – notably Toto Nsiala – have made a key difference.
Ladapo the poacher
Two goals in two games have now earned his new club six points, coming in two one-goal victories – and the Crystal Palace's man's loan move already looks an astute deal.
The 23-year-old didn't enjoy quite the all-round performance he produced against Bradford seven days before, but he still notched the all-important decider.
Even more impressive was his persistence.
After being controversially denied in the first half by officials, he was still on-hand to head home an inch-perfect winner.
Talented Tyler Roberts
West Bromwich Albion's 18-year-old forward Tyler Roberts is highly-regarded at The Hawthorns and it was immediately clear why.
After not picking up a League One start in five months at Oxford, Hurst stayed true to his word and thrust Roberts straight into his first XI.
He played somewhat behind Ladapo – in the space vacated by the injured Louis Dodds – and there is a sense Town may seeing him further forward in the future.
Had great poise to his play, a fine touch and looked every inch a prospect.
Options out wide
Hurst began with Shaun Whalley and Alex Rodman on opposite flanks for the first time this term and the pair gave Oldham's full-backs nightmares.
Right from the first minute Whalley was at his man, using his pace and whipping in crosses, while new addition Rodman gave another accomplished wide performance.
Plenty of pace on the flanks in the shape of 'old-school' wingers is what the Town boss craves and he may have found an ideal set-up with these two.
Toto the cult figure?
Nsiala, incorrect red card decision at Swindon aside, has been immense for Town so far.
At 6ft 4in, he is every bit the imposing figure Town have lacked.
His stature does not mean any lack of pace either, Nsiala is incredibly quick across the ground and unlikely to be outsprinted by too many attackers.
Early signs of a combination with Mat Sadler were encouraging – with Sadler making himself available to mop up any loose balls.
Supporters have really taken to Town's new centre-half.
