Analysis: Shrewsbury are found wanting after the break once more
Conceding second-half goals cost Shrewsbury Town again, and has become a consistent feature for Matt Taylor’s side so far this season.
Town were unable to avoid slipping to their third defeat in a row in all competitions against Bristol Rovers on Saturday as Jay Marquis and Aaron Collins inflicted the deadly blows.
Most significantly, all eight league goals that Shrewsbury have conceded so far this season have come in the second halves of games, and boss Taylor has admitted it’s a concern.
When the Shrewsbury boss called for consistency, this wouldn’t have been what he meant, and the Salop manager was left calling for ruthlessness after missed chances against Joey Barton’s side.
Following the international break, the ‘Weetabix derby’ – as it’s known – was Town’s first kick off a ball in 11 days, but it didn’t end how Taylor and the Shrewsbury faithful wished with the boss hoping to see their hard work show prior to the game.
At the final whistle, it was clear to all what the Salop faithful thought as boos echoed around the Croud Meadow from the fans that were left, those who decided not to depart early after the late second goal.
The Salopians encouraged their team throughout, singing with pride and willing Town on as they looked to find the net. But, upon full-time you got the feeling that there was nothing to be proud about as Shrewsbury gave Bristol Rovers their second league win of the season so far.
Handing Max Mata his home debut, there was some excitement for all ahead of kick-off. Ryan Finnigan, too, was given his first outing at the Croud Meadow.
