Shrewsbury Town notebook: The talking points from the Hereford friendly

It’s always been described as a game of fine margins, and Shrewsbury Town were reminded of that once again in their latest pre-season outing.

Here are some of the key talking points from the A49 derby.

Behind early

Town made a sluggish start as Hereford pressed aggressively and exposed some early defensive frailties. As boss Gavin Cowan admitted afterwards, it was clear the hosts were not treating the contest like a routine friendly.

Cawley Cox skipped past several Town defenders before finding Billy Phillips, who punished the visitors with Hereford’s first meaningful chance.

There were further nervy moments, including an uncomfortable back-pass to Will Brook, before Salop eventually settled into the game and began to enjoy more possession.

Hereford moved the ball well at times, while Shrewsbury had a more direct approach, looking for Josh Davison and George Lloyd to win aerial duels and launch attacks. When they did get the ball down, there were some encouraging passages of play and good use of the wide areas.

Chances wasted

Hereford made the brighter start and threatened again before the interval.

Town gradually grew into the contest and created opportunities in search of an equaliser, although clear-cut chances in the second period were limited until Lloyd’s superb strike brought them level.

After that, Shrewsbury took control and should have found the winner on several occasions.

Goalkeeper Theo Richardson made a number of impressive saves, but Salop were also guilty of wasting good opportunities.

Isaac England and Isaac Fletcher both went close with goal-bound efforts during the first half.

Davison squandered a glorious chance when he was played clean through, dragging his finish well wide. Frustrating.

Joe Gbode saw a powerful header well saved, while Arkell Jude-Boyd came close to completing the turnaround. Kevin Berkoe then somehow failed to hit the target from inside the box late on.

Shrewsbury know they will have to be far more clinical by the time the competitive campaign begins.

Absentees

Josh Ruffels missed the trip through illness, with Town opting not to take any risks as the new season edges closer.

Jack Price also remained sidelined but is closing in on a return. Luca Hoole was out on the pitch before kick-off completing running and ball work as he continues his recovery, while Jay Snook also stepped up his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.

Threat out wide

Byron Pendleton featured on the left flank rather than the right side, showing his versatility while posing an attacking threat.

On the opposite flank, Jude-Boyd regularly looked to stretch the Hereford defence.

Jay Turner-Cooke and England frequently worked the ball into wide areas, with Shrewsbury consistently looking to deliver crosses towards their front men.

Several dangerous balls flashed across the box, but there was too often nobody on the end of them. Even so, the intent and attacking patterns were encouraging.

Berkoe made a lively impact after replacing Pendleton down the left, while fellow substitute Tom Sang also helped inject fresh energy into Town after the hour mark.

Stunning leveller

Lloyd worked tirelessly throughout, as he so often does, battling for aerial balls and leading the line.

The striker had been starved of clear opportunities before producing the moment of the match, curling a stunning effort beyond the goalkeeper to haul Shrewsbury level.

The 26-year-old will hope that strike provides a platform heading into the new season after a difficult campaign in front of goal for both himself and Town last term.