Analysis: Two quick blows sink Shrewsbury Town who rue missed chances on Steve Cotterill‘s return

For large spells, this was a tight contest between two sides who have propelled themselves away from the relegation pack. But where Shrewsbury faltered in front of goal, Cheltenham were clinical when their moment arrived, striking twice in eight ruthless second-half minutes.

And, to continue the racing analogy, the man enjoying the view from the winner’s enclosure was a familiar figure.

For Steve Cotterill, this was a return layered with significance.

Nearly three years after leaving Shrewsbury, the former manager walked back into the Meadow with a Cheltenham side revitalised under his guidance and unbeaten in six matches. Make that seven.

While the result went against the home side, the affection between manager and supporters was clear. Moments after the final whistle, Cotterill walked around the ground, applauding and embracing fans who had once sung his name.

Under Gavin Cowan, Shrewsbury themselves have surged away from the drop zone with impressive momentum. February’s League Two Manager of the Month has overseen six wins in his first 10 games, collecting 19 of the club’s 41 points in that time.

Those numbers underline how remarkable the turnaround has been. Yet football often turns on moments, and on this afternoon the decisive ones arrived early - and went begging.

Inside the opening exchanges, Shrewsbury had their clearest chance of the game. A loose ball broke kindly for Tommy McDermott, who burst through on goal with only goalkeeper Joe Day to beat.

But McDermott’s attempt curled agonisingly wide of the far post.

Watching from the stands was former England forward Emile Heskey, and it was the kind of opportunity he would have relished. The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker was in attendance after Salop adopted the Football Safety App, which he supports.

That miss set the tone for an afternoon of what might have been.

Shrewsbury did threaten again before the interval, most notably through the lively Iwan Morgan. Since arriving he has looked a constant menace, and midway through the first half he produced the moment that almost had the crowd on its feet.

A thumping free-kick flew past Day’s outstretched reach - only to cannon back off the crossbar. Had it dipped inches lower, the narrative might have been entirely different.

Cheltenham’s Isaac Hutchinson buzzed around the attacking third but was largely kept in check by Shrewsbury’s defence.

But the decisive punch arrived shortly after the hour.

Cheltenham’s breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Jordan Thomas seized his chance with impressive composure. Will Boyle was beaten in the air, Thomas given time to compose himself, and he swept a crisp finish into the bottom corner.

Eight minutes later the visitors struck again. Salop’s defenders failed to clear a corner from Luke Young and Sam Sherring reacted quickest, firing low past Cox to double the lead.

Two moments. Two goals. Ruthless from Cheltenham.

Cowan’s side searched for a way back but lacked the cutting edge. Trey Ogunsuyi was the hero of the previous outing after scoring twice. This time, however, the target man could not exert the same influence.

He battled but rarely managed to test Day’s goal. His best opportunity came from an inviting delivery by the impressive Kevin Berkoe, who surged forward repeatedly from full-back and was one of Shrewsbury’s standout performers. 

But Ogunsuyi could not quite reach the cross, summing up a frustrating afternoon.

Morgan’s strike against the bar and McDermott’s early miss lingered as the defining ‘what might have been’ moments. Convert either and the contest might have unfolded very differently.

Instead, Cheltenham managed the match and the final stages well.

Cowan’s impact since stepping into his first Football League role has been dramatic. Six wins and only three defeats from his first 10 matches have transformed the survival picture, hauling Salop clear of the relegation zone.

The challenge now is to respond. Shrewsbury travel to Bristol Rovers next, hoping to rediscover the momentum that had carried them so far clear of danger. 

They may have to do so without defender Tom Anderson, who was forced off with a hip problem that will require assessment.

On another day, with a touch more accuracy, they might have been the ones celebrating. Instead, it was Cheltenham - and Cotterill - who crossed the finishing line first.