Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Tranmere Rovers: Stubbs header secures crucial win

Sam Stubbs’ second goal of the season ended Shrewsbury Town’s losing streak and moved them further clear of danger.

Stubbs powered home 10 minutes after the restart to secure Salop a crucial victory over League Two strugglers Tranmere Rovers, following four consecutive scoreless defeats.

The win leaves Town 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining this season.

Cowan made five changes to his Shrewsbury side, with Wolves loanee Temple Ojinnaka handed his first start under the head coach. John Marquis and Bradley Ihionvien also returned to the starting XI after recent injury lay-offs.

Cowan kept faith with the same central defensive trio that featured in the defeat at Newport County, with Sam Stubbs, Will Boyle and Josh Ruffels continuing at the back.

Elsewhere, Ismael Kabia returned to the starting line-up in place of Mal Benning, while Nick Freeman was also included.

Salop created chances throughout the first half but were unable to punish the visitors. Bradley Ihionvien was unable to volley home after latching onto Ismael Kabia’s delightful dinked ball over the defensive line.

Billy Blacker came closest for Tranmere, curling an effort wide as the game approached the midway point of the half.

At the other end, Sam Stubbs provided an aerial threat for Town, heading over from Iwan Morgan’s cross.

Ihionvien went close again on the half-hour mark, driving forward from Morgan’s pass and forcing Marko Marosi into a superb diving save with a powerful effort.

Approaching the break, Stubbs fired over with a speculative effort, while Josh Ruffels skied a shot from inside the box after industrious work by Kabia down the right.

Salop emerged after the interval with greater intent and their pressure soon paid off. Stubbs powered a header in off the crossbar from Kevin Berkoe’s cross to give Town the lead.

They pushed for a second goal, with Morgan and Ojinnaka both going close to extending the advantage.

Town were grateful for a fine save from goalkeeper Matt Cox just after the hour mark, as the Brentford loanee denied Tranmere from close range.

Tranmere searched for a way back into the contest, but Salop stood firm and defended resolutely to secure a vital victory in their fight for survival.

Lineup

Shrewsbury Town: Cox, Stubbs, Boyle, Ruffels, Kabia, Ojinnaka (Clucas, 80), Freeman, Berkoe, Morgan (Llloyd, 90’), Ihionvien (Perry, 74), Marquis.

Unused subs: Brook, Anderson, Gray, Scully.

Referee: Ollie Yates