Kabia off the mark amid lack of attacking options - the Shrewsbury debrief

Kabia off the mark

Arsenal loanee Ismeal Kabia has been one of the high points this season - though his best work has come on the right-hand side in support of the striker or at wing-back.

Here, he was thrust into the main No.9 role and, despite having limitations in the role and limited knowledge of how to play it, did his best to get Town back into the game.

And when his opportunity arrived, Kabia showed great composure to steer home his first goal in senior football.

With the game seemingly lost at that point, there was little in the way of celebration - he will be hoping the next one means so much more.

Attacking options

The fact Kabia was pushed into a lone striker role says a lot about Shrewsbury's attacking options at the moment.

But after a poor start to the game for captain John Marquis, who struggled to hold the ball up, boss Michael Appleton felt he was left with little choice than to move things around.

With only Chuks Aneke on the bench from an attacking point of view, and the former Charlton Athletic man not able to play a full part following injury, there was little else the head coach could do.

Town's upturn in form coincided with George Lloyd returning to the starting line-up and it must be hoped that he is not sidelined much longer.

He is the best option Salop have there right now, and it would allow Kabia to return to a more favourable position.

Salop endeavour

Attacking quality may be lacking, but at least this Shrewsbury team are up for the fight - not something that could be said about a lot of Town sides of recent years.

Heart and desire will only get you so far, but they are two of the most crucial qualities when trying to stay in the Football League.

Even at 3-0 down, Salop kept going - and they made Fleetwood nervous when Kabia got one back and then Josh Ruffels shaved the post.

Had that one snuck inside the woodwork, it would have set up a grandstand finish, with the hosts creaking and Shrewsbury on top.

No amount of endeavour, though, will help if they are giving away the sorts of goals that leave them with a mountain to climb.

Fiery end

Some of that fight was on display as the two sides clashed at the end.

Praise must go to Shrewsbury for keeping cool heads, while Fleetwood's players and staff lost theirs.

James Bolton was sent off for his part in the tangle with Chuks Aneke, while both benches were also at loggerheads at the final whistle.

Fleetwood spoiled what was an excellent performance on their part by getting unnecessarily wound up instead of celebrating victory.

Town stood up for themselves, but did not get any silly red cards that would have weakened their options for a crucial game at home to Gillingham.

Travelling support

Salop were cheered on by 466 supporters, who have not had much to enjoy on the road this season - Barnet aside.

Though the weather turned out to be a lot nicer than promised, a November afternoon by the Irish Sea still would not have been a particularly tantalising prospect after defeats at Crewe, Harrogate, Swindon, Notts County and Tranmere in League Two this season.

Add Fleetwood to that list and forthcoming visits to Walsall, Cheltenham and Grimsby aren't looking much more appealing.

Town are due a big away day - and those in attendance will have more than earned the right to enjoy it when it comes.