Shrewsbury debrief: A point to build from but time to put things right at home

A point to build on

It was not the victory Michael Appleton craved heading north west, albeit against a side who had shown signs of improvement with back-to-back victories.

Things looked especially bleak 2-0 down at half-time at home to MK Dons the previous weekend, but the second half at least showed some fight. Appleton hoped to take that to Barrow in what must be highlighted were terrible conditions for football.

Points away from home at any level are not to be sniffed at and this one must be taken as a small step forward a third clean sheet of the league season - all 0-0s.

With that in mind, though, Town must find a way to edge these tight games by the odd goal.

Brook's push

It was another step forward for one visiting player - goalkeeper Will Brook.

The 21-year-old was playing two divisions below Shrewsbury when action started this season but has emerged as a very real prospect at Croud Meadow and deserved his place between the sticks ahead of Manchester United loanee Elyh Harrison for now.

The former Leeds and Nottingham Forest prospect was largely untested in Barrow - bar a key late save - but has impressed Town fans and Appleton with how he has settled into a first taste of Football League action.

Supporter shout out

The average home league attendance just peaks above 5,000 - 5,046 - but has dwindled below that figure from the 5,809 on the opening day against Bromley.

With that in mind, you can only tip your hat to the 376 hardy souls who braved the 330-mile round trip amid Storm Amy's grip on Saturday.

The Town supporters will continue their loyal backing of the club despite the very real concern on and off the pitch, regardless of having precious little to shout about this season, or for some time.

Now or never at home

Town return to Croud Meadow for back-to-back home fixtures against Cambridge - currently inside the top half - and fellow lowly strugglers Crawley.

Ordinarily this might bring some optimism, but Shrewsbury's pitiful home record in 2025 of just two wins and none since February 1 will offer little encouragement.

For Appleton to breathe any life into hopes of survival Town have to change the narrative in front of their own supporters. More points have been picked up away from Shropshire so far this term. The home misery must end.

Scully return

Summer signing Anthony Scully was an unused substitute on his return to the matchday squad against MK Dons but, perhaps surprisingly, started in Barrow.

The Irish winger was sidelined with a groin issue but Appleton revealed last week that some home truths had helped the former Lincoln winger find himself ready to compete.

Scully was one of Town's two attackers, with Tom Sang, behind John Marquis. He has shown before he can be a real threat with direct play and movement with the ball and got some shots off at Barrow.

Loan star Ismeal Kabia was used at right wing-back and is a natural outlet there. It might be a way to get more forward-thinking players involved.