“There was progression” - Gavin Cowan remains upbeat despite Shrewsbury Town’s loss at Colchester United

Salop conceded twice in the first half to slip to a fifth consecutive league defeat on the road, leaving them just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Shrewsbury were unable to build on the solid point picked up in Cowan’s first game in charge the previous weekend, but the new head coach was keen to focus on the positives.

He said: “It’s obviously disappointing. We're in the business of getting results and we haven't done that today.

“I'm not going to patronise anyone by saying anything other than that.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb after three minutes with an individual error, really disappointing. 

“And then the other goal, it is a worldie. I get that, but he rides three tackles to get there. So we're disappointed with that side of it. 

“We gave ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb. But I actually felt in the game, we were on the ascendancy quite a lot.

“Certainly in the second half, I don't think our keeper's been worked at all.

”I'm really pleased with the players in terms of their attitude, their application, actually buying into what we were trying to do. There was definitely a progression from last week.

“I know we got a draw last week, but in terms of performance and our game strategies, we were a lot more on the ascendancy, really aggressive, pressing from the outside. 

“But I understand it's about results. We're trusted to go out and get results.

That hasn't happened. But I felt like there's such a progression there. 

“I'm really proud of the players in terms of them applying what it is that we want them to do.”

It took just more than three minutes for Salop to fall behind when Ismeal Kabia was dispossessed on the byline, allowing Samson Tovide to deliver a low cross for Will Goodwin, who finished from close range.

Shrewsbury responded well, but their good work was undone by a stunning left-footed strike from Arthur Read, who fired into the top-right corner.

Cowan made several second-half changes in an attempt to spark a comeback, with Salop pushing for a route back into the contest. Substitute Iwan Morgan came closest, testing goalkeeper Matt Macey.

However, the hosts saw out the contest to complete their first Football League double over Shrewsbury since the 1962/63 season.

“One of their defenders has got the man of the match,” Cowan added. “I feel like we've been on the ascendancy. 

“It's just that little bit of quality. I have just said in the changing room, you've done so well in terms of what we're trying to do. 

“A restart press, turning the ball over. We were really happy with such big elements of the game.

“But it's just that final third. We know we need to have a little bit more quality, we need to be a bit more of an attacking threat.”

Shrewsbury were also dealt an early blow when Sam Clucas was forced off injured in the 18th minute, with Taylor Perry replacing him.

Cowan said: “It’s a hamstring injury. So it doesn't look good.

“He's a massive player for us. So, to go down a goal after three minutes and lose him was really tough.

“Sometimes it seems like when you're down there, nothing goes for you.”