Wingers thoughts after the 1-0 win at Scunthorpe
Shrewsbury Town’s excellent 1-0 win at Gladford Park not only extended their own unbeaten run to six games, but it also ended Scunthorpe’s 26 game unbeaten run at home.Freddie Ladapo’s fourth goal in six games gave Town all three points, and was in fairness a culmination of all of Town’s hard work up until that point.
West Brom loanee Tyler Roberts bagged the assist for Ladapo’s goal, but Shrewsbury’s other wide man – Shaun Whalley – also had a terrific game and he spoke to the press afterwards.
“It was a great game to play in and a great three points,” he said.
“I thought first half we pretty much matched them – they had a bit more of the ball I suppose – but we were still dangerous when we had it.
“In the second half we played really well – I thought we were good value for the one nil to be honest.
“Overall it was just a real gritty performance from everyone in the team and that includes the subs who have come on as well.”
Loanee pairing Roberts and Ladapo again provided the goods for Town and Whalley was keen to pay tribute to their respective performances.
“Tyler’s done brilliantly to turn his man and keep the ball – and he’s played it back to Freddie – and I don’t want to kill Freddie off – but it’s got a touch off me.
“I’m not claiming it because Freddie deserves it – he works hard up there – but I’d like to see it back again let’s put it that way.
“I told Freddie about it and he wasn’t best pleased – so I’m not going to claim it because he might come and get me.”
For second placed Scunthorpe, it was a first home loss since 19 December 2015, which only goes to show what a hard fought and well-earned victory this was for Town.
Though late on Town had Jason Leutwiler to thank as he made a stunning save to preserve the lead.
Whalley said of his teammate: “It was an unbelievable save.
“My heart was in my mouth when I saw it looping up – but he’s pulled off a fantastic save.”
Since Paul Hurst’s arrival at the Greenhous Meadow the side has seen a huge upturn in form and now sit five points clear of the relegation zone.
“I think he’s just given everyone the belief that we can go anywhere and win – performances like this are great for our confidence.
“I’m not sure how he’s getting so much out of us – if I knew that I’d be a manager myself – because I’d know the secret formula.
“He’s just given us confidence going into games and I think we’re more structured now too – and we’ve been keeping a lot of clean sheets too.
“We’ve got used to playing 4-4-2 now as well – he’s done absolutely fantastic since he’s come in and from where we were when he came in – to where we are now the difference is massive so hopefully we can carry that on.”