Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Oldham Athletic: Salop officially secure safety

Will Boyle’s first-half header earned Shrewsbury Town back-to-back home wins and secured their League Two safety.

Salop officially confirmed their Football League status with a narrow 1-0 victory over play-off chasing Oldham Athletic.

The win marked consecutive victories on home soil - both by a single goal - and was the eighth under boss Gavin Cowan since his appointment in late January.

With Barrow and Harrogate Town both suffering defeats, Town’s safety was confirmed with three games remaining, regardless of their own result. They now hold a 14-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Following relegation last season, Town endured a difficult opening few months and were firmly embroiled in a relegation battle. When Cowan took the reins in late January, they sat just two points clear of the drop zone.

However, he and his staff - including former favourite Dave Edwards and former Salop youth player Jamie Haynes - have overseen a remarkable revival, lifting the club up the standings.

Cowan was named League Two Manager of the Month for February after guiding Shrewsbury to five consecutive wins.

With the result against Oldham, in what was their penultimate home game of the season, Salop have now secured their Football League status for next season.

Cowan made three changes to the side beaten by league leaders Bromley in midweek.

Will Boyle and Taylor Perry returned to the starting XI, alongside academy scholar Will Gray, who was handed his first start for the club.

The 16-year-old had previously made substitute appearances in Town’s games against Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra last month, earning praise from Cowan.

Gray quickly showed his intent, getting stuck in early and making a strong tackle that drew applause from the supporters.

He was also involved in the build-up to Salop’s early chances, as Perry saw a weak effort blocked before Iwan Morgan fired over from distance.

Looking to build on his first goal since returning from injury at Bromley, Bradley Ihionvien proved a constant nuisance for the Oldham defence. Midway through the first half, the Salop forward did brilliantly to keep the ball in play, drive towards goal, and force a save.

The hosts built momentum and took the lead on the half-hour mark. On his return to the side, Boyle powered home his fourth league goal of the season with an outstanding header from around the penalty spot.

Town had a great chance to double their advantage just before the break and even found the net on the counter-attack, but Morgan was flagged offside in the build-up.

After the break, Oldham immediately sought a response. Brentford loanee Matt Cox made a superb full-stretch save to deny Kane Drummond’s low effort.

The blustery, rainy conditions made things difficult for Town, but they responded well, with Morgan and Ihionvien linking up effectively. Morgan then saw a powerful shot deflected wide, before appeals for a penalty - following a heavy challenge on Gray - were waved away, much to Salop’s frustration. Shrewsbury remain without a penalty in a league game this season.

Salop were forced to withstand late pressure as Oldham’s Fabio Jalo struck the post with a sensational overhead kick. However, the hosts defended resolutely to hold on for all three points.

Lineup

Shrewsbury Town: Cox; Stubbs, Boyle, Ruffels; Berkoe, Perry, Gray (Freeman, 79), Kabia; Morgan (Scully, 85); Marquis, Ihionvien (Lloyd 79).

Subs: Brook, Benning, Anderson, McDermott.

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Attendance: 6,609 (1,638 away)