Shrewsbury Town attacking midfielder Alex Rodman heralded his side’s team spirit after they ground out a fine 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic on Sunday.
The victory at Oldham’s Boundary Park saw Town stretch their lead at the top of SkyBet League One to five points, while maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.
Stefan Payne and Jon Nolan netted either side of Craig Davies’ 33rd minute header to hand Salop their seventh win of the campaign, as Eoin Doyle saw red in injury time for the hosts.
Rodman has been an ever-present figure in Paul Hurst’s side this term, and he told reporters after the match that it was particularly pleasing to get the three points after a hard-fought performance.
“I think we’d be the first to admit we haven’t played as well in the last two games as we did in the first four or five,” Rodman said.
“But you know it’s the sign of a good team, digging in to win,” he added. “Defending really well as a team, having the desire to win, the team spirit was fantastic and that showed today.
“We’ve had to dig in today, and maybe today we haven’t created as many chances as we have done in previous games, but we’ve found another way to win which is really pleasing.”
Payne’s goal was his fifth in eight appearances across all competitions for Town, while Nolan’s strike marked his second goal in as many games.
Rodman was on song to provide the assist for Nolan’s winner, and he admitted he’s been impressed with the former Everton youngster this term.
“Nolo’s scored mid-week and he’s scored today, it’s great to see him on that scoresheet because he’s got great ability,” Rodman continued.
“It will give him confidence, and I thought he was fantastic in spells today, so I was just pleased to be involved in the winner.
“We all know his ability and how good he is in the middle of the park, so adding goals to his game was probably the final piece of the jigsaw, so it’s nice he’s been able to do that today.”
The fleet-footed midfielder was also keen to praise the club as a whole for their efforts which see Town top, while also looking ahead to a huge game against former Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers next Saturday.
“It is special [to be top] especially given the bookies had us second favourites to go down,” he said. “It’s fantastic and we just need to keep doing what we’re doing and take it one game at a time.
“The team spirit’s fantastic, everyone’s pulling in the same direction, from the players to the backroom staff – we’ve got a real good togetherness and it’s showing.
“We had a massive game at home against Wigan, so it’ll be nice to get back there in front of our own fans and play a huge game against [Blackburn], who are fancied for promotion this year.
“Hopefully the stadium will be packed out and there’ll be a great atmosphere, and we’ll go in the game full of confidence and get the three points.”