Striker's thoughts after the narrow defeat at Rochdale
Town suffered a 2-1 defeat at high-flying Rochdale on Friday night, despite Ivan Toney’s late goal.Rochdale led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Ian Henderson and Steven Davies, which ultimately set up their tenth straight home win.
Forward Toney returned to the starting XI after serving a suspension, and he repaid Paul Hurst’s faith with an 86th minute goal – though unfortunately it proved to be nothing more than a consolation for Town.
He spoke to the press after the match:
“It was always going to be tough coming to a place like this, Rochdale are flying at the moment, but again sloppy goals cost us the match really.
“We’ve got to pick ourselves up again and go again against Fleetwood on Monday.”
Toney had missed the Bristol Rovers and Bolton games through suspension after picking up ten bookings this season.
He admitted he was pleased to be back playing again: “I’ve been dying to get back out there.
“It was great to get a goal today, but a win would of made it even better. The team stuck together well and we could have got a few more goals, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
The goal was Toney’s seventh of the season, making him Town’s top scorer this year.
However, Monday’s clash with Fleetwood could be his final game in blue and amber as he is set to return to his parent club, Newcastle, after the game.
“The loan period’s coming to an end, but I’ve got to keep playing the games as I want to be. We’ll have talks on whether I stay or whether I go somewhere else.
“I’ve just got to keep playing my football and see what happens.”
Toney has featured 26 times for Town so far this season and he paid tribute to the club and his teammates.
“They’re a great bunch of lads and the staff have been brilliant too.
“The club should be a lot higher, but obviously we’re down there at the moment and it’s down to the players to change it when they step across that white line.”
Town currently sit 21st in the table, just one point away from safety and three clear of Oldham who are rock bottom.
Toney believes the current crop of players have what it takes to ensure Shrewsbury’s League One status next year.
“It’s a strong side – the main thing is that everyone sticks together. If we get some wins, and a bit of luck – who knows what we can achieve.
“We’ve got to start getting the basics right and then we can go from there.”
Monday night will be the fourth instance of Town lining up against Fleetwood this season, and in the past three encounters Town are yet to score a victory.
“We’ve played them [Fleetwood] three times and we haven’t won yet, so obviously we want to win and get the three points.
“Hopefully the fourth time of playing them will be a good one and we can leave on a positive note.”