Analysis: Victory over Walsall very welcome even in the most extraordinary of Shrewsbury seasons
Few things satisfy Shrewsbury fans more than a victory over Walsall. They have been few and far between – so this one was most welcome.
Even this staggering, once-in-a-generation season aside, derby days can define the mood of fanbases for a prolonged period.
A disappointing display and result against the Saddlers would not have gone down well.
But Paul Hurst’s men have put paid to enough records this season. Wins against Fleetwood and at Bristol Rovers spring to mind. Add Walsall to the list.
Just a second league win against the rivals from the West Midlands in 25 years. The 2-0 success was ultra comfortable for Town as they controlled much of a simple victory in third gear.
Hurst admitted his side were not near their best but there was a feeling inside Montgomery Waters Meadow that the hosts were in control.
This wasn’t the rip-roaring Shrewsbury display that graced the last league game at Charlton a fortnight ago.
But the same outcome, a 2-0 success, will give the Blues faithful a boost that – as the run-in looms – their side look in full flow and confidence is high.
The record books going into the feisty encounter made for tough reading. One league win since 1993, just two wins in 22 all told, the Saddlers have the upper hand in this competition’s history over the last couple of decades. Hurst was determined to secure a first win in this particular derby.
The Wembley factor was unquestionably a boost going into this one. Some may say it could have been a distraction but Hurst’s men have professionally put that firmly to the back of their minds.
It seemed like Town, roared on by more than 6,500 home fans in an impressive turnout that helped make for a lively atmosphere, used the momentum from last Tuesday to help fly out of the traps and almost put Walsall to bed inside 10 minutes.
Jon Nolan and Alex Rodman in particular were fast starters and the former set up the latter to put the home side ahead after just six minutes.
Inside 10 minutes Carlton Morris struck a post. That really could have been Goodnight Vienna to those that had made the 37-mile trip along the M54.
To their credit Walsall were not just going to whimper to a derby defeat and at least had a go. But for the most – aside from a few typical Erhun Oztumer dead ball deliveries – they desperately lacked in quality.
Hurst’s side seemed comfortable without ever really turning the screw on their visitors. Town defended astutely to secure a third clean sheet on the bounce. They look like finding a way back to the watertight record that has helped them become such a League One force.
On another day with a bit of luck on their side Walsall could have grabbed a leveller but Shrewsbury claimed a deserved second through the almost prolific Abu Ogogo at the death. That was two goals in two home league games for the skipper, who previously took 673 days to find the net. London buses spring to mind.
As well as putting paid to their grim Walsall record, Shrewsbury also got back on track in front of their home fans in the league. It was four without a win beforehand. The win shines a brighter light on remaining Meadow fixtures.
And as faltering Wigan sacrificed two more points against Scunthorpe – Town’s hosts next Saturday – Salop fans gained more confidence a top two push can be on the cards.
Shrews battled beyond their visitors and had too much technical ability for Jon Whitney’s inconsistent strugglers. Walsall record – what Walsall record?
