Analysis: Shrewsbury Town’s stunning turnaround rolls on with dramatic away win
For 168 days Shrewsbury Town could not buy an away win - now they suddenly cannot stop collecting them with three in just 14 days.
Victory at play-off contenders Chesterfield completed a third consecutive success on the road for the first time since February 2023 and continued the remarkable turnaround in Salop’s season.
In a place famous for the iconic Crooked Spire at the Church of St Mary and All Saints, the Spireites failed to put a spike in Town’s bubble as they dramatically claimed a sixth victory in seven games.
There may not be a famous flower show in Shropshire’s county town this year - but Shrewsbury Town are well and truly blossoming under Gavin Cowan.
Their late triumph in Derbyshire serves as another statement win. Salop have now faced seven top-half teams under Cowan - winning four. And that’s now 19 points from a possible 27 since the new boss’ arrival. Quite the turnaround.
As first starts under Cowan go, Trey Ogunsuyi could hardly have made a better impression. He led the line with authority, using his physical presence to trouble defenders while also showing composure in front of goal. The reward was an important brace - his first goals for Shrewsbury Town and in senior football.
But it was not just Ogunsuyi who shone. Much has been said about the collective effort demanded by Cowan, and that was evident again here.
Tom Sang was outstanding, delivering two superb free-kicks, including the stoppage-time ball that allowed Sam Stubbs to head home the winner. Tom Anderson also returned to the starting XI and battled resolutely throughout, even continuing with a bandage around his head after an early clash.
