Shrewsbury Town matchwinner Alex Gilliead ready to improve on his record
Alex Gilliead is determined to use his first Shrewsbury goal to prove to the doubters he is improving in front of goal.
The summer signing from Newcastle opened his Salop account with a second-half header against 10-man Accrington Stanley to seal three points for John Askey’s team.
Gilliead, 22, had picked up assists in his previous two games at Montgomery Waters Meadow but netted for the first time since January 1 with the winner. The pacy winger wants to improve on his record of two goals in 58 appearances over two loans at Bradford and reckons persistence is the key to his progress.
“You hear a lot of people saying ‘he can beat a man but it’s the final product’?” admitted Gilliead.
“I’ve known for a while, probably two seasons now, that my final product isn’t where it should be, where I know it can be.
“But I feel like getting in the box, taking people on and putting the ball in the box will lead to chances and goals.”
The flying winger continued: “I’ve had a few conversations with people in and out the game, and the gaffer. It’s something I do need to improve on.
“People do look at your stats, even shots – how many shots do you have a game – I feel I need to be shooting a lot more. I do try to work on my left foot crossing so I can go either way.
“Ultimately I just want to get in the box for when Shaun’s putting the ball in because he puts it in dangerous areas. “
Gilliead’s goal came just after the hour mark as he nodded down and into the roof of the net after Shaun Whalley’s accurate delivery from the right touchline.
“It was a fantastic cross from Shaun. Their defender has got dragged underneath it so I’ve closed my eyes and hoped for the best!” Gilliead smiled.
The win lifted Askey’s men up four places in League One to 16th and the boss was pleased with his match-winner’s contribution.
Askey said: “I think it’s one of the reasons why he’s with us – his goal ratio is not great but he’s still only a young lad.
“It’s something we’re trying to work with him. The goal will give him a lot of confidence. Not only did he get the header, he had one or two decent shots on target.
