Five talking points after Shrewsbury's 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers
Town climbed back into the automatic promotion places in League One with another last-gasp victory at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. Here, Town reporter Lewis Cox discusses five talking points from The Memorial Stadium clash.
1 Late shows
For the eighth time in all competitions this season, Paul Hurst’s side struck in the 85th minute or later to break opposition hearts. All of those late strikes have been decisive – seven winners and an equaliser.
So what’s the secret? A combination of mental and physical strength. To believe in yourself and go again is testament to the toughness Hurst and his staff have instilled in the squad.
But after doing it so many times this season, it is little surprise they fight on and on. The physical fitness drummed into Town by physio Chris Skitt is also coming to fruition.
2 Sharing the goals around
Earlier in the season Town’s midfield and wingers, in particular Jon Nolan, Shaun Whalley and Alex Rodman, were taking the goalscoring pressure off the strikers – but now it’s the defenders!
The entire back four, James Bolton, Mat Sadler, Toto Nsiala and Omar Beckles have all netted crucial goals in the last three league games, helping Shrews take seven points from a possible nine.
There is no pressure on one or two players to score Town’s goals, and that is a massive bonus in the run-in.
3 Talented Thomas
One of the plus points from the south west was Nathan Thomas’s debut. The Sheffield United loanee was handed a start in place of Alex Rodman and showed what he was about.
His directness to beat a man and reach the byline, as well as how he swung a ball in from the left, bodes well for the remainder of the season. The impact of Rodman, who came from the bench with a point to prove, turned out to be the match-winning moment as he chipped in with a phenomenal assist.
4 Nsiala at top of his game
Town’s dramatic late match-winner was a cut above at the home of the Gas. It is difficult to believe that barely a year ago League Two Hartlepool – who are now a non-league club, were cheering his departure.
Nsiala simply does not miss a ball in the air. He commands every high ball. His willingness to throw himself in front of shots must give a massive lift to those around him.
The partnership with Mat Sadler gives Town the most solid base. If the towering centre-half can keep up this kind of form then he will surely attract interest from others.
5 Home advantage
Ten of Shrewsbury’s remaining 17 League One fixtures are at Montgomery Waters Meadow. Town boast the joint-best home form in the third tier with Wigan and Rotherham – having played fewer games.
Shrews have lost once and conceded just six on home soil. The Meadow has become a fortress under Paul Hurst and that should work in their favour.
Fans should pack out the stands and roar their side home from this improbable position. Blackburn, by contrast, have just eight from 16 games at Ewood Park.
