SHREWSBURY TOWN MATCH REPORT – PART ONE How is it possible to begin to explain how the team which hammered high-flying Peterborough and gained rave reviews in the defeat of Luton in front of the Sky tv cameras could produce such an abject performance as the one witnessed by the unfortunate Reds fans (a good number there) last night? Sometimes it is said of successful teams that ‘they start believing their own publicity.’ They think they have made it and really are that good and so lose focus, becoming complacent. Believe me, there was plenty of evidence of complacency last night, as almost the whole team stood around statuesque as Shrewsbury’s well-drilled and thoughtfully reconstructed team ran rings around us. The other issue which may be pertinent is that it is known that several players are being offered contract extensions. Maybe some are thinking that the team is doing so well and they are such a significant part of it that they will wait and see which Championship sides come in for them in January. Well, take note! If you are one of those players, I would get the contract signed quickly, because the only January offers are likely to come from League Two, or non-league. Last night, pals, you really were that poor. The team which took to the pitch was: Davies Cavare Pinnock Lindsay Ben Williams Potts Dougall Mowatt Thiam Bahre Moore The pattern of the game was set early on. A cross from our left was flapped at by the unconvincing Davies, the ball was not cleared and there was Rangers loanee Greg Docherty to slam home. The defence, like the rest of the team, was asleep and we were one down within two minutes. There is hardly anything worthy of note to report from a Reds point of view regarding the first half. We could barely put two passes together; there was minimal movement off the ball; the players just seemed not to be on the same wave-length as each other; too often, when we did get the ball, it was hoofed forwards into a space where no Reds player was to be seen and it was too often played straight to a grateful Shrewsbury player. Shrewsbury kept pressing and scored a deserved second goal. Again, the lack of cohesion in our back four was badly exposed, as opportunities to close down and to clear were missed, ending with that prolific scorer (not) Ollie Norburn to strike a shot which looked to be on its way in spite of Mowatt’s attempted block. There was a good shot from range by one of the Shrewsbury midfielders, which Davies had to scramble to save. There was a farcical mess up between Pinnock and Lindsay (should defenders ever play a square ball across the penalty area?), from which Shrewsbury should have scored a third before half time, bit a combination of Pinnock, Lindsay and, finally, Ben Williams, cleared the self-inflicted danger. There was one more scare, as another fast break by Shrewsbury tore a hole through the middle of our defence, but Davies pulled off a very good save to keep the half-time score to two-nil. At this stage, 2-0 flattered us, as three, or four would have been a deserved score-line for the rampant Shrews. We couldn’t wait for the half-time whistle to re-group. it had been a half in which we had just nor turned up – that is none of the players, who looked as though they were still half asleep on the coach. I was expected something of a revival in the second half, if only on the basis that we could play as badly for another forty-five minutes. It came quickly and looked like being effective. First of all, you could see players starting to play for each other, making runs within ten/fifteen yards of the player on the ball and giving passing options and, suddenly, we were able to hold possession for more than three passes. Mowatt’s fine drive was brilliantly saved by the impressive and solidly reliable Joel Coleman, on loan from Huddersfield and I would be bidding to get him to Oakwell on a permanent soon, if I were the Barnsley board. He didn’t have much to do, but was absolutely solid under crosses and high balls into the box. Soon after, Ben Williams (who was one player whose crossing wasn’t bad all evening), sent a cross towards Moore at the far post. His header was blocked, but the ball fell lose to Pinnock, who slammed home from close range. Game on? Well, the faithful were roused to full voice and I could see us getting at least a draw from this position. The better form continued for about the first fifteen minutes of the half. Moncur made an instant impact after coming on, running down wide positions and getting across and in between the lines between the Shrewsbury defence and midfield. Hedges provided some more trickery when he came on. However, we were unable to maintain the pressure which would, undoubtedly, have brought an equaliser. Shrewsbury re-grouped and re-formed in order to counter-attack and did so well. Why can we not take good set pieces? In the second half, we had enough free-kicks and corners, but never seemed to have the accuracy, nor the technique of delivery to worry the Shrewsbury defence. By contrast, Shrewsbury won a corner on our right, it was well aimed towards the far post and there was former Barnsley trainee Luke Waterfall to power in a towering header within sufficient challenge to make it difficult. Our come back was stifled and, although there were occasional glimpses of a possible 3-2, Shrewsbury set up well, slowed down the pace of the game and romped home deserved winners on the night with just one set piece from Mowatt which came close to bringing a reward as Lindsay’s header clipped the top of the crossbar. Cue, boos from the Reds fans. I didn’t agree with booing the players, but it had been a pretty abysmal performance and that is now two on the trot.
Only the ones I can get to these days, which will be some away ones in the Midlands/South West. Any use?
Steady on, OP seems to be under the impression this is a football forum! Enjoyed the read, thanks. Same for part 2. Ratings are always tricky. I'm afraid we were out fought and thought by a better team on the day.
