‘No time for disappointment’ - Gavin Cowan demands response after Shrewsbury Town setback
Gavin Cowan declared there is “no time for disappointment” after Shrewsbury Town suffered back-to-back home defeats.
Salop conceded twice inside eight minutes of the second-half to go down to Cheltenham Town and see their advantage over the League Two relegation zone cut to 12 points.
But it was just a third defeat under boss Cowan in 10 games in charge, and he was eager to put the loss behind them ahead of a trip to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.
“Obviously you're disappointed,” he said. “You know you can do better.
“You live with a little bit of regret from the game, but ultimately you have to put it to bed very quickly.
“We talk about no time for disappointment. That'll be our main saying going into Tuesday and we need to refocus.
“When we were winning five in a row, six in seven, I was very regulated and very focused. And I'll be doing the same again.”
Shrewsbury have collected 19 of their 41 points from Cowan’s first 10 games in charge.
The loss was the first time Salop had failed to score since their trip to Colchester United in early February, with Cheltenham goalkeeper Joe Day forced into just two saves.
Cowan added: “We wanted more for them - all week we've been working on it, but you don't get it.
“The players know that they have to be accountable from time to time.
“You can implement game strategies and sometimes just on the day the opposition are going to be better than you.
“It hurts, it's a kick in the teeth. But, there's nothing like being resilient in football.”
Cowan was frustrated with the officials at full-time. Town saw a couple of penalty shouts waved away for challenges on Trey Ogunsuyi in the first half and then Kevin Berkoe late on.
Asked if he thought they were strong penalty claims, Cowan said: “I feel like the Kevin one at the end was.
“The Trey one, I was a bit further away. But we have the fortune of looking back.
“I've seen them both given. Just not our day today.”
Town are sweating on the fitness of defender Tom Anderson after he had to be withdrawn on the hour mark with a hip problem.
Salop visit Bristol Rovers, a place below them, looking to bounce back and secure a fourth consecutive win on the road.
Cowan thanked the Salop supporters for their backing despite the defeat.
“Really pleased with the fans,” he said. “Great reception for the players afterwards. It just shows a real clarity and connection around the club.
“We're not going to get it our own way all of the time. We've made a lot of headway since we've come in.
“So, nine games now just to make sure that we solidify our place in the league.”