"No accident" - Will Boyle on Shrewsbury Town's narrow wins

Will Boyle says it is no “accident” that Shrewsbury Town have been able to grind out several narrow victories on their way to safety.

Town’s 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic last weekend was their eighth victory under Gavin Cowan, with six of those coming by a single goal.

Salop have secured narrow wins over Barrow, Notts County, Salford City, Chesterfield, Tranmere Rovers and now Oldham - four of which came at home, with three ending in 1-0 scorelines.

Asked about that record, match-winner Boyle said: “I think we've fallen on the right side of them more since the gaffer has come in.

“I don't think that's by accident. I think that's because we have a clear process, and we get numbers in the right areas at the right times. That's driven from him and we're held accountable for that.

“Ultimately, over the course of a season that gives you more chances of landing on stuff in boxes, gives you more chances of creating chances out of nothing, because our games can be nip and tuck.

“We've fallen on the wrong side of quite a lot of them this season as well. So, I don't think it's an accident.”

Boyle’s header against Oldham was his fourth league goal of the season and came on his return to the side after being rested against league leaders Bromley.

The defender’s absence in south London was just the second league game he has missed this campaign, having started 40 matches.

Boyle has captained Salop several times this season in the absence of John Marquis, including a run of 10 consecutive games when the striker was sidelined with injury.

During that spell, Boyle led Town to a five-game winning streak and six wins in seven, also scoring the winner in their comeback victory at Salford City.

Discussing what boss Cowan has asked of him specifically, Boyle added: “Clarity really.

“To keep everything in front, deny and delay is a big phrase that he uses and I think it's important at this level.

“You can give teams the answers at times is another thing that he speaks about a lot that is very true.

“A lot of clarity really I'd say. But not just for me, for everyone.”