Analysis: Shrewsbury Town refuse to be blown off course
In the season that keeps on giving – this was up there with one of the very best days.
It is little wonder that Shrewsbury fans love this team. Their desire and spirit is endearing and infectious. They do not know when to let go.
It was not a romantic setting – in fact it was quite the opposite – Baltic conditions in Scunthorpe, hardly a haven for sightseers. It felt a long way from home.
But that added to the joy of this 2-1 away-day success. An 11th win on the road in League One this season. The best in the division. And five on the bounce.
A return of the Beast from the East’s little brother, Mini Beast from the East, meant Town fans travelled to north Lincolnshire wary of some treacherous conditions.
The couple of hours inside Glanford Park had the most experienced sports reporters in the press box claiming it was the coldest in their memory.
But Shrewsbury fans, 463 of them that made the trip, will not forget it in a long time.
It started so poorly. Drifts of snow and swirling wind meant blizzard-like conditions frequented the rackety old stadium and Paul Hurst’s men uncharacteristically struggled to adapt.
The hosts peppered Town’s defence with long balls and fed off the scraps.
Shrewsbury had survived a couple of scares by the time Josh Morris opened the scoring in comical style. His free-kick appeared to be flying miles over before a gust of wind forced it down into the back of Dean Henderson’s net. Morris could not believe it and neither could the Iron supporters.
There was not too much in the general play but Scunthorpe, without a home win in five games previously, forced all the openings of note. They struck the woodwork before Henderson was Town’s hero.
First, he superbly denied Morris one-on-one before keeping out the same player from the penalty spot. Hurst’s men could have easily been 3-0 down at the break. They were glad to be just one behind.
From then on in, with conditions worsening and at times making for minimal visibility, the visitors upped the ante and grabbed control.
Jon Nolan, who netted a fine equaliser just after half-time and won the winning penalty, dictated the second-half and – technically at least – was the standout man.
But, to a man, Town stood up and battled through the second half. The character that has been on show so often this season, the foundation this squad is built on, came to the fore.
Wingers Shaun Whalley and Alex Rodman powered up and down the flanks scaring defenders, Abu Ogogo charged around tirelessly hassling at every opportunity. Mat Sadler and Toto Nsiala, at the heart of Town’s defence, recovered from a tough first half and defended resolutely.
It was great to see early substitute Stefan Payne link so well with Carlton Morris. They have seldom played together in a pairing but looked a handful.
Scunthorpe were limited to a handful of efforts from distance after Payne’s penalty on the hour added to Nolan’s equaliser.
The leveller, considering the conditions played in, was stunning. If it was Barcelona or Manchester City, Sky Sports would be waxing lyrical for months. Morris’s backheel was sublime and Nolan’s slotted finish equally so.
Nolan had too much class for former loanee Ivan Toney – the afternoon’s panto villain – in winning the decisive spot-kick.
Hurst did not hide the fact it was a big win. It felt significant. The response to falling behind. Battling the conditions. Taking advantage of Wigan and Blackburn’s day off. It was a big statement.
