Shrewsbury Town debrief: Five and flying - Salop's remarkable revival shows no sign of slowing
Red-hot Shrewsbury Town are showing no signs of slowing down in their incredible resurgence.
Salop remain the most in-form side across English football’s top four divisions after securing a fifth consecutive win in League Two at Salford City.
Here are the major talking points:
Joe Hart’s Town return
Joe Hart back in a Shrewsbury Town tracksuit - as the former England and Manchester City goalkeeper famously said: “It’s decent!”
A tall, blonde-haired figure emerged from the tunnel. “Is that Joe Hart?” those in the press box asked - it was.
The Shrewsbury-born two-time Premier League winner made a surprise return to lend a hand in Town’s preparations for the clash.
What a sight it was. His warm-up with goalkeeper Matt Cox clearly did the trick, as the Brentford loanee continues to impress, producing several crucial stops.
It was only meant to be for one night, but after his three cheers in front of the joyous away end, who knows - he might yet fancy a return to the dugout. Regardless, it was fantastic to see him contribute to the win.
Unlikely hero
Will Boyle has been outstanding lately for Salop. Dominant in the air, putting his body on the line, he has marshalled both the defence and the side superbly.
With John Marquis injured, Boyle has taken the armband and delivered another proper captain’s performance at Salford.
The defender produced a striker’s finish to complete the remarkable second-half turnaround and send the travelling supporters into raptures.
The ball arrived on the right side of the box; he cushioned it with his chest before emphatically thumping it into the bottom corner - his third League Two goal of the season.
Second-half spirit
Gavin Cowan’s predecessor often highlighted the importance of scoring first away from home.
At Accrington Stanley last weekend, they did just that, and it proved crucial in ending their long wait for an away victory.
Months ago, supporters might not have expected a comeback like this, but this is now a spirited side brimming with confidence and looking transformed.
After falling behind to a hugely unfortunate own goal just before half-time - when Cox’s clearance ricocheted off Hoole, struck the post and went in - Salop emerged fighting after the break.
Their determination was evident immediately, and you sensed a comeback was coming.
Defensive resilience proved key again. Several vital tackles and blocks were made across the back line - but perhaps none more important than Tom Anderson’s intervention in the dying moments.
Introduced as a substitute for his first appearance of the Cowan era, Anderson threw himself in front of the ball to deny Kelly Nmai a golden chance at close range, securing the three points. He was rightly mobbed by team-mates afterwards.
Red-hot form
Salop have had five managers since they last won six in a row under Steve Cotterill. They now have the chance to match that run against Walsall on Saturday.
On current evidence, this Town side simply doesn’t look like losing. The togetherness, passion, and play-for-the-badge mentality - along with their cohesion, grit, and attacking threat - are immense.
Cowan took over with Salop just two points clear of the relegation zone. They are now 12 clear and 15 adrift of the play-offs.
The numbers don’t lie - what a turnaround.