Home struggles, attendances and keeper swap - the Shrewsbury Town debrief

It seems an age ago that Shrewsbury Town were on a four-match unbeaten run at the Croud Meadow under Gareth Ainsworth.

Between Boxing Day 2024 and February 1, 2025, they beat Lincoln City, old rivals Wrexham and Mansfield Town - as well as drawing with Northampton Town.

But since that 2-1 success over Mansfield on the first day of February, they have gone 14 further home league games without victory - failing to score in nine of those.

They have also taken just three points from a possible 42 at home during that time, and it is the first record that must improve to raise the mood around the Croud Meadow.

First goal

As alluded to, a large part of the reason for those home struggles are that Shrewsbury Town simply cannot score the first goal this season - it is a similar story away as well.

They have played 14 matches in all competitions home and away and while two have ended in goalless draws, the other 12 have all seen the opposition strike first.

The last time Town managed to draw first blood was at Barnsley back in April - a game they went on to win 2-1 thanks to a John Marquis double.

Even worse, that is the only time in the last 29 games Shrewsbury have found the back of the net before the opposition - stretching all the way back to Vadaine Oliver giving them the lead in a 3-2 defeat against Bolton Wanderers on February 15.

Attendances

Despite the struggles of last season, the Croud Meadow attendance only dipped below 5,000 twice in League One - both midweek games.

However, that tally has already been surpassed this campaign, with three of Town's five League Two games falling short of the 5,000-mark - and all three have been regular Saturday 3pm kick-offs.

A total of 5,809 turned out for the opening-day draw with Bromley - and that attendance 

It has been a long, hard slog for Salop fans in recent months and many would appear to now be voting with their feet.

Keeper swap

Will Brook has given the nod over Manchester United loanee Elyh Harrison between the sticks as he made his home league debut at the Croud Meadow.

The former Leamington shot-stopper was left horribly exposed by his defence for the opening goal from a long throw that he could do little about.

However, he will have regrets about the Dons' second as he pushed Aaron Nemane's low shot into a dangerous area here Will Collar was able to stab home.

Appleton now has to decide whether he sticks with 21-year-old Brook for the trip to Barrow on Saturday or recalls 19-year-old Harrison.

For all the experience Shrewsbury have on the field, they are lacking that in the goalkeeping department.

Chuks Aneke

Let's end with a positive.

Aneke came off the bench to get Shrewsbury back into the game and showed he has the ability to be a difference-maker for Town during his 25-minute cameo.

It was a fine volley from the edge of the penalty area that found the bottom corner of the visitors' net.

The 32-year-old is going to need a little longer to get fully up to speed, but with his pedigree higher up the pyramid with Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic, among others, clearly has the ability if he can get a run of games.

And last time Aneke was in League Two - playing for Saturday's opponents MK Dons - he scored 17 times in 38 games. If Town can unlock that sort of form, they may finally start getting that crucial first goal in matches.