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Pressure, Jon Nolan and clean sheets among those discussed in Shrewsbury five talking points

Town's narrow victory over a dogged Blackpool outfit was a welcome return to winning ways in League One for Paul Hurst's Shrewsbury. Three points kept Town second as the heavy Christmas schedule approaches, Shrews correspondent Lewis Cox discusses five talking points from the Montgomery Waters Meadow success.

By Lewis Cox
Published

1 DEALING WITH PRESSURE

Carlton Morris worked hard in attack (AMA)
Carlton Morris worked hard in attack (AMA)

Hurst raised the interesting point of his side playing as if they were feeling the pressure in recent weeks. He said that it should not be the case, and that his side should enjoying themselves and playing with freedom.

But expectancy, given the miraculous start to the League One season, has shot through the roof and may now be difficult to manage. The crowd were edgy during an out-of-sorts first-half where Town were struggling to create and the pressure seemed to be telling. Fighting at the top brings a real kind of pressure.

2 INTEREST IN NOLAN

Jon Nolan's sweet strike was the difference (AMA)
Jon Nolan's sweet strike was the difference (AMA)

It is no surprise that the Town midfielder is being courted by higher reaches, particularly with the transfer window now under a fortnight away. It is likely that Norwich are one of just a number of clubs impressed with Nolan's gliding runs and creative mind.

Boss Hurst was firm on his and the club's stance regarding the interest, however, and insisted that Shrewsbury have a lofty valuation for their No.20. Keeping hold of him next month is vital.

3 SOLID DEFENSIVELY

Mat Sadler led the way to a first league clean sheet in six (AMA)
Mat Sadler led the way to a first league clean sheet in six (AMA)

The clean sheet against the Tangerines was the first league shutout for six games and all four Town defenders helped make it a calm day at the office for Dean Henderson.

James Bolton looked back near his solid best at right-back while Omar Beckles continued to impress in his unnatural role on the left.

Having Mat Sadler and Toto Nsiala back together in the middle undoubtedly brings a calming influence when Town are on the back foot.

4 CHANCE FOR THE MORRIS MEN

Bryn Morris was recalled for Ben Godfrey in midfield (AMA)
Bryn Morris was recalled for Ben Godfrey in midfield (AMA)

They have both had to bide their time but a dip in form for Stefan Payne and Ben Godfrey led to recalls for Carlton and Bryn Morris. The former, who celebrated his 22nd birthday against Blackpool, put in a tireless display full of unselfish running. But in a game of few chances he had no clear-cut opening in front of goal. It was a difficult afternoon for central midfielder Bryn, meanwhile, who struggled to dictate with the ball in such a tight and compact midfield. Did they do enough to stay in?

5 RELENTLESS CHASING PACK

Tony Mowbray's in-form Blackburn are hot on the heels of Town (AMA)
Tony Mowbray's in-form Blackburn are hot on the heels of Town (AMA)

The League One big guns are breathing down Town's neck. After an indifferent start to the season for the likes of Blackburn and Bradford, the duo are showing why they were two of the favourites to be in the promotion positions. With Wigan intent on racing away at the top, Scunthorpe, Charlton and this Saturday's visitors Portsmouth all pose real threats to Town's lofty status. A real challenge to keep them at bay.