Shrewsbury Town player ratings as defender makes big statement

Here is how we rated the Shrewsbury players after their hard-fought victory over Salford City.

Will Brook

Had an untested afternoon, not forced into a single save. Was rounded once, but Town’s defence did enough to protect him.

Untroubled: 7

Tom Anderson

Making his first start, the transfer-listed defender was outstanding, combining a commanding display with neat touches and a no-nonsense attitude. Statement performance.

Brilliant: 8

Will Boyle

The hero for Shrewsbury, popping up with the crucial goal. Led brilliantly by example, defending well and producing an important first-half clearance.

Outstanding: 9

Josh Ruffels

Won duels, made clearances and helped Town remain resilient, limiting Salford’s chances. Played a big and crucial part in the goal.

Excellent: 8

Luca Hoole

Operating at wing-back, Hoole got forward while fulfilling his defensive duties. Linked play well, covered plenty of ground and worked tirelessly throughout.

Industrious: 7

Tom Sang

Back in the side, Sang was busy throughout, seeing plenty of the ball and trying to make things happen, despite some wayward corners.

Lively: 8

Will Gray

Worked tirelessly, making several crucial interventions and battling hard with Salford’s players. Responded well to difficult moments.

Battled: 7

Jay Turner-Cooke

Covered plenty of ground and showed flashes of quality on the ball, but also had some poor moments. A mixed afternoon overall.

Mixed: 6

Kevin Berkoe

Quieter going forward than in recent outings, but worked diligently to contain Salford’s threat and help Town progress.

Solid: 7

Isaac Fletcher

Deployed centrally rather than behind the strikers, looked to use his physicality as a target man. Missed an early chance but offered little threat thereafter.

Target man: 6

Josh Davison

Battled tirelessly against Salford’s defenders, constantly looking to make himself a nuisance. His reward was an excellent ball that helped create Town’s winning goal.

Industrious: 7

Subs: Joe Gbode (for Turner-Cooke, 69): 6, George Lloyd (for Davison, 84), N/A.

Not used: Proctor, Lee, Jude-Boyd, England, Golding.