Shrewsbury Town notebook: Three changes pay off as captain stars and defender makes his case

There had been limited chances for Shrewsbury Town in the second half - but up stepped captain Will Boyle to seize the opportunity.

Shrewsbury claimed their first League Two win of the season with victory over Salford City - here are some notebook thoughts from the Meadow.

Selection

Gavin Cowan made three changes for the clash, citing some poor individual performances in the previous weekend’s disastrous defeat at Fleetwood Town.

And his calls paid off.

Transfer-listed defender Tom Anderson started for Salop, perhaps another indication that he could yet remain at the club. He also produced an excellent performance, helping Town stand firm and keep a clean sheet.

There were positional changes, too, with Luca Hoole deployed at right wing-back and Isaac Fletcher playing in a more advanced role.

Hoole put in a typically energetic display, working tirelessly throughout

Sam Stubbs

Defender Sam Stubbs was out on the pitch before the game doing some work with head of medical Chris Skitt.

It was good to see the centre-back back out there as he continues his recovery from the heavy blow to the head he suffered a week earlier.

Dan Udoh

There is still plenty of love between Dan Udoh and Shrewsbury Town.

The Town favourite started for Salford on his return to the Meadow, where he scored twice for the visitors last season.

The forward was unable to seriously threaten his former side, although he looked more lively after the break before being substituted shortly after the hour mark.

Town had enquired about bringing Udoh back this summer, but the forward was ultimately out of their reach.

Udoh stayed out at full-time to applaud the Shrewsbury supporters and share a nice moment with the crowd.

He also left the pitch to chants of ‘Udoh, Udoh’ and showed his appreciation in response.

Shape

Will Gray operated in the sitting midfield role for Shrewsbury and battled hard throughout.

His work earned praise from Cowan and assistant Jamie Haynes during the game.

Tom Sang and Jay Turner-Cooke were given more licence to get forward and looked to get on the ball.

Michael Golding

The new recruit was included in the Town squad just a day after completing his season-long loan move from Leicester City.

The 20-year-old was among those warming up on the sidelines but did not get the chance to make his debut.

Captain steps up

Captain fantastic! Will Boyle has developed a habit of popping up with important goals for Shrewsbury - and he did it again here.

Salford had been on top for spells in the second half, with Town struggling to create too many opportunities in front of goal.

But when their chance came, Boyle took it.

Anderson won a flick-on after the ball was worked into the box, and it fell perfectly for Boyle, who poked home from close range.

Cue joyous scenes and celebrations.

Back to solid

Town had conceded 10 goals in their first four games of the season before this one.

Here, they kept their first clean sheet.

Salop had to withstand some pressure and a couple of good chances for the visitors, but they stood firm and prevented Salford from mounting a late fightback.

A first league win - and a little defensive solidity to go with it.