Analysis: It's a results-based business and Shrewsbury finally profit

Alex Gilliead’s first Shrewsbury goal finally put paid to the dogged 10 men of Stanley and earned John Askey’s men just a second league win in 12.

Such is the compact nature of the bottom half of the League One table that Gilliead’s header on the hour mark shot Salop up from 20th to 14th in the standings, though when the referee’s whistle pierced the air Town had to make do with 16th, still a valuable climb.

The home win comes with Salop facing a difficult run of games on the horizon.

There is a trip to Joey Barton’s Fleetwood next weekend, who put paid to Doncaster 4-0 at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday. That is followed by home clashes with heavyweights and relegated Championship outfits Sunderland and Barnsley.

So Askey knew that maximum points in their home surroundings would be a big boost going into a crucial and possibly defining period for his Town team.

The only thing to ease inevitable pressure cranking up after just one win left his side flirting with the bottom four is points on the board.

And that pressure increased as Stanley saw their highly-rated keeper Connor Ripley dismissed barely 15 minutes in, meaning there was yet more emphasis on picking up three points.

Shrewsbury made hard work of it but, at this stage, a win is a win. It is all about the result.

Town have played decent at times this season and only had a point to show for it. There is no time for getting too down about a no-frills display.

Askey made no secret of his desire to attack in-form Accrington as the hosts went into the game with the onus on them despite John Coleman’s League Two champions Stanley not losing since the opening day – a run of 10 games.

But the visitors showed they were much more than a group of hard-workers and tough runners in the opening exchanges and dominated the ball.

With former Salop winger Jordan Clark at the heart of every move and the standout player on the pitch, Stanley went at a vulnerable-looking Shrewsbury time and time again.

If it were not for Joel Coleman’s decent low save and Clark’s long-range radar being an inch or two out, Town could have been three down before the moment that changed the complexion of the whole clash.

It was a clear red for Ripley. Stanley’s defence didn’t react to a long ball and the keeper’s moment of madness was dangerous and, while judged to be just outside the box, denied Lee Angol a goalscoring opportunity.

Cue more pressure on Askey’s men. The visitors were made to readjust their game plan as attacker Sam Finley was sacrificed for sub keeper Jonny Maxted.

This meant a more considered and less gung-ho approach by Stanley. With two banks of four they were happy to congest their penalty area and make the backline as inpenetrable for Salop as possible.

You have to credit opposition chief Coleman for the way he orchestrated his side after the sending off. Stanley looked organised and drilled as they repelled some unimaginative Shrewsbury attacking.

Town’s approach to netting the all-important goal before the break was frustrating. They would see all the ball, work it from one side of the pitch to the other in the middle third but make little to no progress beyond the 18 yard line.

Then Town became ponderous. It was hard to tell if the attacks felt rushed or over-considered. There was a lack of urgency and options. Then, at times, players would hold on to the ball for too long.

Shrews were into double figures in efforts on goal by half-time. Precious few were on target. One of Ollie Norburn and Anthony Grant, as the extra man in midfield, often found themselves in acres of space. This resulted in a shot off target. Which led to groans. Which led to more pondering on the ball the next time the chance came about. A vicious circle.

Town needed more imagination and craft in the final third. It was a packed penalty area and there was little incision.

A nervy first period left Montgomery Waters Meadow feeling like a big second half was needed.

It wasn’t breathtaking stuff after the break but it got the job done.

Some quick thinking from Josh Emmanuel’s throw saw Shaun Whalley’s delightful delivery fall on a plate for opposite winger Gilliead who headed into the ground and high into the net. It was Gilliead’s first goal since January 1, where he netted for Bradford at Fleetwood. The goal should do his confidence the world of good and he’ll be hoping for another at The Cod Army’s Highbury home this Saturday.

The 10 men of Stanley never threatened a comeback and Salop felt they had done what they needed to. Space opened up for a possible second but there was a lack of real urgency to push for it.

One of the game’s highlights was the introduction of Fejiri Okenabirhie on the hour. The man Town fans have been craving a glimpse of. He showed a couple of neat touches, a turn of pace and keenness to get a shot off. It could be time he locks down more minutes in blue and amber.

Josh Laurent was recalled in the middle of the park and also deserves credit for an assured display.

Askey was happy with the three points but not entirely satisfied. He wants more ruthlessness in front of goal. “We’ve got to create and score more” has been retorted in near enough every interview.

It wasn’t pretty and won’t live long in the memory but, as said so many times already this season, it’s a results business.