Craig's thoughts after the 1-1 draw away to Walsall
Goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has praised Shrewsbury Town’s togetherness following the 1-1 draw with Walsall at Bescot Stadium on Saturday.
Dan Agyei handed the hosts an early lead with a 20-yard strike, before Stefan Payne converted from the spot shortly after to level the scores.
MacGillivray, who was making his second league appearance of the season, made a string of fine saves throughout the match, to help earn Paul Hurst’s men a point and retain their place at the top of the table.
And when asked what he believes has been the secret to Shrewsbury’s success this season, MacGillivray answered: “Togetherness – there’s a great togetherness in this team.
“We’ve gelled really well, and that’s down to all the hard work,” he told the press. “I think any team that are going to be successful have to be willing to work hard as a group.
“We’ve won a lot of games this season by just one goal, so, it’s important that we know how to dig in when we need to.”
The 24-year-old shot-stopper has played second fiddle to Dean Henderson for much of the season so far, however, he hopes to have forced his way into Hurst’s plans with an impressive performance at his old stomping ground.
It’s frustrating,” he admitted. “But Deano’s doing well so I can’t complain too much, but for me, I’ve had to wait for my opportunities.
“I’ve had that opportunity today and hopefully I’ve done enough to be in the gaffer’s thoughts for next week.
“As a keeper you’re judged on keeping the ball out of the net, making saves at crucial times, and thankfully I’ve done that today.”
MacGillivray was also keen to pay homage to manager Hurst, who has guided Shrewsbury to a remarkable turnaround this season.
“He’s very close to all of the players,” the no.15 revealed. “He doesn’t have any favourites, he treats everyone the same, which keeps us all on our toes.
“He passes on his experience too, he had a very long successful career and we feed off that knowledge on the pitch.”
Next up for Town is a long trip down south to face bottom side Plymouth Argyle where they will look to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.
“We’ve got to prepare right as always,” he pressed. “They’re down there at the bottom, but they’ll want to get themselves out of that, I’m sure.
“So, we’ve got to go there with the right mentality, and hopefully get the three points.”