ShrewsTRUST Man of the Match
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Town put in a good performance in a good game at Boundary Park to win over League 1 Oldham Athletic.
It was a pretty even game over the 90 minutes but the deadlock was broken with a Steve Leslie strike 10 minutes from time.
Town held on until the end despite a scare when Stephens fired a free-kick millimetres wide of the target deep into injury time.
After the game Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner spoke to the press and was asked for his thoughts on the game:"It is very pleasing as we changed the side around a little bit, during the game Sean McAllister felt a little under the weather at half-time, Matt Harrold had a slight calf strain and that allowed Kris Bright to come in after his injury problems. Lewis Neal came into the side and did well and it is a good result and a satisfactory performance.
"Oldham started very well getting the ball down and passing it all round us but we got through that and grew.
"In the end we've won the game but also hit the post and hit the bar and those could have easily gone in.
"We've got to be pleased with the mentality of the players and that winning mentality that you need to be successful."
The deadlock was broken when Steve Leslie did well to hold off his marker, turn and drive a low shot home with 10 minutes of the game remaining:"He is always capable of doing that when he comes inside on his left foot and he's hit it really well.
"We shouldn't have had to wait that long though as I felt it was a fairly easy chance that we hit the bar with. It was a good header from Shane that hit the post in the second half and in the end we are delighted to have won."
Chris Neal in the Town goal had little in the way of saves to make during the game and this seems to have been one of Town's strengths so far this season:"I feel that in most of our games so far this season there hasn't been too much for our goalkeepers to do.
"I can't remember a really spectacular save from Chris at any time in the game and that is testimony that we are doing the job defensively. Not just the two central defenders but the whole side defend as a team.
"It is pleasing to see not only the appetite of the players on the pitch but also their fitness."
The game also saw a few changes for the Town side before the game and a few during the game. It was something that pleased the Town manage who sees strength in depth in his squad:"It is encouraging as it's the first time I've had a real good look at Lewis Neal in the first team and also good to have Kris Bright to come on for a period and we know what Benji can do as we do Kevin McIntyre who came on.
"It's looking OK for a reasonably sized squad but if we get a few injuries or a dip in form from any of them then we know we have people who can come in and do a job."
