Two 7s as Salop spurn chances in EFL Trophy exit: Shrewsbury Town player ratings v Northampton
Shrewsbury Town came up short in their must win Vertu Trophy group match with Northampton Town on Tuesday night, as they were defeated 2-1 at Sixfields and, as a result, bowed out of the competition.
Salop arrived at the home of the League One outfit knowing that only a win in 90 minutes would do if they were to progress into the knock-out stages of the competition but, despite coming from behind in the first half thanks to an impressive goal from Tommy McDermott which cancelled out Kamamrai Swyer's stunner, they succumbed in the second half when a simple ball over the top found its way to Conor McCarthy, and he finished from close range.
On another night, Salop could've had a hatful; John Marquis was denied by Lee Burge in both halves, as was Luca Hoole, while George Lloyd hit the post from close range and Anthony Scully also passed up a couple of openings.
Now, all eyes turn to the crucial meeting with fellow strugglers Newport County at Croud Meadow this coming Saturday. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields.
Will Brook 6
Could only stretch in vain as Swyer powered an excellent opening goal past him and into the far corner. Left with little protection and exposed too simply when McCarthy struck in the closing stages.
Tom Sang 6
Got through plenty of work over on the right hand side. There were a couple of erratic moments with the ball but plenty of determination and energy.
Luca Hoole 6
Might've opened the scoring from close range in the first half, only to be denied by Burge. Demonstrated his passing range with raking diagonals.
Tom Anderson 6
Stood up admirably to the challenge in front of him, with the likes of List, Fornah and Edwards causing problems on Shrewsbury's left hand side throughout. Won plenty of headers on a testing night in terms of opposition and weather.
Sam Stubbs 6
Marshalled the Shrewsbury back three from his central role and was attentive in the face of the lively List throughout, and then the more physical presence of Eaves introduced from the bench. Like for the whole defence, though, Northampton's second was a poor one to concede.
Mal Benning 6
Plenty of energy down the left hand side and looked to combine with Marquis. Stopped in his tracks by Swyer, who was cautioned for a shirt pull and was then booked himself for a late challenge.
Taylor Perry 6
Made a couple of telling early passes from his deeper berth in the box midfield. More of his work in the second half came out of possession with the hosts getting on top in the early stages.
Josh Ruffels 6
The newest face in the Salop dressing room threw himself into the game, was attentive in a deeper role and combative when he needed to be. Smart reverse pass created an opening for Scully.
Tommy McDermott 7
Took his goal extremely well to round off a flowing, one-touch move from Salop. Some excellent skill early into the second half almost set Scully away on goal. Flash of pace almost set him away again on the counter before his withdrawal.
Anthony Scully 7
Lively. Created the opening for Marquis with quick footwork and impressive balance. Almost guided his own effort beyond Burge and into the far corner and then in the second half really ought to have converted but remained a threat.
John Marquis 6
Excellent centre forward play which allowed McDermott to enjoy the chance which he took to bring Salop level. Denied himself by a brilliant save from Burge and then had to do better when one on one in the second half.
Substitutes
Clucas (for Benning 66) 6
Late supply line from deep on the left hand side brought about the late chance for Hoole as Shrewsbury came on strong late.
Chuks Aneke (for McDermott 66) 6
Created the opening for Lloyd when he struck the woodwork. A presence in the Northampton box - when Shrewsbury could get the ball near him.
George Lloyd (for Scully 66) 6
Hit the post from close range as Salop hunted a late response. Won a foul when hassling his man away from goal and turning defence into attack.
Ismael Kabia (for Sang 77) N/A
Isaac England (for Perry 80) N/A
Substitutes not used: Gray, Hill
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