Shrewsbury Town notebook: Friedel factor and performers young and old

There was a lot to like on the field from Gavin Cowan’s side but the big story was high in the main Roland Wycherley Stand at Croud Meadow.

The Shropshire Star revealed prospective director Brad Friedel, the former Premier League goalkeeper and part of Scott Davidson’s consortium, was at the stadium and was subsequently pictured in the directors’ box.

The 55-year-old will have enjoyed what he saw.

It was not a high-profile evening on the field. Indeed the Meadow was only one-quarter or so full. The EFL Trophy is seldom a big draw.

But what played out would be enough to encourage Friedel and fellow incoming directors Craig Graham and Will Dotson, as well as the group’s front Davidson.

Cowan’s A-listers were given a night off and instead the supporting cast, as well as young talent, showed there is a togetherness and bright future around the squad and supporters at the moment. Something to develop and foster.

Shrewsbury fans desperate for positive takeover news will be delighted Friedel, following Graham at Crawley last week, showed his face.

Stepping up

It was no surprise to see Town midfield duo Jay Turner-Cooke and Isaac Fletcher handed starts in the group E finale where Cowan’s men had to win to extend hopes of qualification.

The pair was both dismissed in the dramatic recent victory over Bristol Rovers and have served two of three-match league bans but were eligible to feature in the Trophy.

Turner-Cooke was given the armband and stepped up with it. Cowan agreed the duo, both summer signings, had a “presence” for his side in the heart of midfield against younger, more inferior opposition.

The pair were leaders and that will please Cowan. He will hope for more when they return after Gillingham on Saturday.

Knocking on door

It was a big night for other members of Cowan’s first-team squad who have yet to enjoy the game time they’d have desired this season.

Among them centre-back Isaac Lee, left-back Lino Sousa, midfielder Michael Golding and attacker Joe Gbode - even on-loan goalkeeper Sam Proctor made a delayed debut after injuries.

And all of the above put in decent displays against a side full of admittedly younger, but promising Toffees talent. This was an Everton side that troubled Stockport in a 6-3 defeat at Edgeley Park.

Those players are an injury or two away from Cowan’s starting league side. They showed the manager on Tuesday night they can step up and perform - strength in depth and competition for places will be important to stay among the fourth tier’s top 10.

Kids are alright

Cowan put his faith in youth again. Proctor, on loan from Villa, is just 19 and Gbode is only 21.

But more pertinently the Salop boss turned to central defender Ollie Hall, 17, attacker Hugo Aiston, 16, and striker Jay Snook, 18, for starts.

Those three in particular were among the home side’s brightest performers on a proud night for the club’s academy.

On from the bench came Jayden Rattray, 16, and last-gasp match-winning hero Jeval Thompson-McKenzie, 19. All five want to follow in the footsteps of Will Gray and Isaac England among others.

The win could be a footnote in Town’s season, but for those teenagers it will be a night to remember for the rest of their careers and lives and if Shrewsbury continue to produce players into the first team it is a huge boost for the club.