Mkandawire on the spot for the goal that never was
Skipper Tamika Mkandawire has hailed a "great point" against Crawley Town but was frustrated that Shrewsbury didn't collect a much needed home win.
Paul Parry's 56th minute equaliser set the tone for an improved second half performance, but despite a catalogue of chances, Town couldn't find a second goal. Results elsewhere though mean Shrewsbury have narrowed the gap to three points between themselves and safety.
"It's a good point in the end," he said. "We didn't start the game very well and looked very nervous. In the second half though we looked like a different team, settled into it and played some really good stuff.
"We need to have more belief in ourselves and start games like we did in the second half. We matched them up in midfield, had a better tempo and the crowd got behind us as we gave them something to shout about. They were fantastic. We need to start games like that rather than wait for something to happen. We should have won, and had the better chances so we've got to take heart from that."
Town also had loud appeals for penalties waved away in each half, while Mkandawire also felt the officials were wrong to disallow Parry's late effort which they said didn't cross the line.
"I thought the ball was definitely over for the one that was cleared away," he said. "The whole ball was over but the linesman couldn't see it, or so he says. I was right there and it's just not dropping for us at the moment but we've got to take heart from the chances. We had two great shouts for a penalty, but we have to move on and build on what we did in the second half."
Mkanndawire also had praise for Welshman Parry, and believes his experience could be invaluable for the remaining 11 matches.
"He's been fantastic," said the defender. "He got the goal at Swindon a few weeks ago, on Saturday against Bristol City and also against Crawley. We need players like him to bring experience and quality to the side."
The catalyst for Town's improved showing after the break came at half time when manager Mike Jackson brought on Jermaine Grandison to right-back, with Ryan Woods switched to midfield.
"Jermaine did fantastic when he came on and Woodsy is a midfielder and that's probably where he wants to play," said Mkandawire. "I'm pleased for Jermaine, he's a big lad, strong, direct and gives us a different option. He can drive the team on from there. Woodsy is great technically, he gets on the ball and makes us tick."
Now attention turns to Saturday's eagerly anticipated local derby at Wolves, who set a new club record on Tuesday by winning for the ninth consecutive match and maintaining their lead at the top of League One.
"Wolves is a great fixture for everybody, playing in a fantastic stadium in front of a big crowd potentially, said Mkandawire.
"It's a great opportunity for us. I don't think anybody expects us to win but quietly we believe we will get a result there. There is no reason why we can't as long as we play at a good tempo and get people like Woodsy on the ball, dictating play, if he is in midfield.
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