John Askey is hopeful hard work will turn the tide at Shrewsbury Town

Town’s run of games without a win stretched to eight in all competitions and six in League One after Askey’s men fought back to claim a 1-1 draw with 10-man Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

Last season’s top scorer Stefan Payne marked his return with Rovers’ opener from the spot after half-time before the visitors had Joe Martin sent off and Shaun Whalley forced a Daniel Leadbitter own goal for the leveller.

Askey again felt his side were the better team but will work on his goal-shy attackers in training, who failed to make the most of numerous promising positions in a game the hosts largely dominated.

“We’ve not come across a side yet who has really dominated us,” said the Salop chief.

“I thought there was only one team that was going to win it on Saturday and it’s a shame we’ve not come away with the three points.

“For me it’s the little ones. When the ball goes in the box and is bouncing around, those are the ones when you need to react quicker than the opposition.

“We don’t seem to be doing that. It’s something that we’ll try and work on in training. You can only do it by putting on practices it small games where it’s quite compact.”

Askey, whose side are 23rd in the division with only Plymouth below them ahead of Saturday’s trip to high-flying Portsmouth, added: “All you can do is keep working. Keep working hard and hopefully, from my past experience, if you keep working hard things will go right for you.

“Hopefully that’ll be the case. The players are working, they look fit, strong, confident – I think they’re decent players at this level.

“I don’t think we’ve got players who are not capable. They all seem more than capable.”

Record signing Ollie Norburn starred in central midfield alongside Josh Laurent as the home side dominated Rovers midfield, but could not take advantage further up the pitch.

Norburn was Town’s chief goal threat with efforts from distance.

Askey added: “They look as good as anybody I’ve seen so far. Both of them can play.

“They’re both athletic and a real handful to play against. I was pleased with them.

“It’s the first game that Ollie’s been properly fit.”