Midfielder's thoughts after the win over Rochdale
Shrewsbury Town ended their run of games without a win on Saturday as they overcame a tough Rochdale side to win 1-0 at a sun-baked Greenhous Meadow.
Stefan Payne’s 16th minute strike was his first for the club and was enough to give Town all three points and lift them out of the drop zone.
Young midfielder Bryn Morris also played a starring role in what was his ninth appearance since joining from Middlesbrough in January on a permanent deal until the end of the season.
Speaking to the press after the match, Morris said: “It’s a massive win for us.
“It wasn’t pretty but we’ve grinded out the result. It really took it out of us – but it’s a huge three points.
“They had quite a bit of possession - they like to play out from the back. But we dropped [Louis] Dodds a few times so we weren’t overcrowded in midfield.
“We picked our times to catch them out and to break forward.
The 20-year-old midfielder was keen to praise Payne for getting his first goal in a Town shirt, as well as making it clear how much he is enjoying life at Shrewsbury.
“He’s [Payne] had to be patient for it – but he’s kept working hard and the fact he’s got it now is massive for him and massive for the team.
“Hopefully he can continue now – he showed great composure to score – so I’m pleased for him.
“I’m relishing the experience – every time we go out there it’s a massive game. I really enjoyed it today.
“It’s nice to get Man of the Match but it’s not about that it’s about getting the three points.”
The win lifts Salop to 19th, outside the relegation zone, but level on points with Gillingham and Bury, while Port Vale are just a point behind with a game in hand.
“There’s still a lot of hard work to be done – but we have to go again on Friday and take every game as it comes.
“It could go to the wire – but we just have to give it 100 per cent every game.
“I’ll be looking to show Walsall what they missed out on [when I was there on loan] but it’s a massive game for all of us and we just want to get the three points.”