Shrewsbury Town notebook: Missed chances prove costly again for Gavin Cowan’s side

Shrewsbury Town’s EFL Trophy defeat at Tranmere Rovers had me thinking one thing: we’ve seen this before.

Here are some notebook thoughts from Salop’s 1-0 defeat at Prenton Park…

Byron Pendleton

Among the changes I expected Gavin Cowan to make was one involving Byron Pendleton.

The wide defender did come into the squad and on as a substitute, but he is still waiting for his first start since arriving from Birmingham City this summer to reunite with Cowan, whom he played under at Brackley Town.

Had some bright moments from the bench.

Gregory debut

Goalkeeper Cameron Gregory returned to Salop last week to provide cover for the injured Sam Proctor.

This marked his debut for the club, and after settling some early nerves, he made several assured claims and was comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Jay Turner-Cooke

Turner-Cooke was one of three players to miss Saturday’s trip to Crewe Alexandra with a minor injury.

He was back on the pitch ahead of this one, completing running and ball-work drills with head of medical Chris Skitt and appearing to move freely.

Arkell Jude-Boyd

This was the wing-back’s final outing for Town before he heads away on international duty with Saint Lucia.

He will travel on Wednesday and join up with his country ahead of Concacaf Nations League clashes with Barbados and Bermuda.

Squad opportunities

The game offered Cowan the chance to give valuable minutes to several players, including youngster Isaac Lee and loanees Michael Golding and Lino Sousa.

Golding was particularly keen to get on the ball and regularly looked to test Tranmere’s defence, but his only chance saw a shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Missed chances

It felt like a repeat of Town’s opening League Two fixture at Prenton Park last month.

Once again, Salop created chances but failed to take them.

The clearest fell to George Lloyd, who raced through on goal but hesitated before eventually firing over the bar. It was a costly miss for the striker, who had opened his account for the season against Crewe on Saturday.

The goal

And, just as they were in that league meeting, Salop were punished for their wastefulness.

Isaac Lee’s pass towards Lino Sousa lacked the required weight, allowing David Kamara to pounce and get beyond the wing-back before finding Dylan Jones, who finished from close range.

Same old story

There were encouraging aspects to Town’s performance, particularly the chances they created. But ultimately, it was the same old story.

Salop lacked the cutting edge and ruthlessness required to turn those opportunities into goals, and once again came away from Prenton Park empty-handed. Frustrating.