Lewis Poole reflects on the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One Season
November was a short month for Town with only three games to play in the league with two-cup games to compete in. The previous month for Town was another positive result to add on to the promising start to the season and the Town contingent would be raring to face the challenge.
The month got underway the right way with Shrewsbury convincingly beating Aldershot Town five goals to nil in the first FA cup game of the season. Each five goals were scored from all over the pitch, which would bode well for the team’s goal scoring ability. Amongst the goal scorers was Stefan Payne who was enjoying a fruitful season in front of goal.
The first league game was Paul Hurst’s home coming to the team where he spent the majority of his career… Rotherham United. Town travelled to the New York Stadium with the aim of snatching another three points on the road. The Millers provided a stern test for Hurst’s men who were coming off a loss. The Shrews used the opportunity to bounce back with a 1-2 win with goals from the two stand out players Jon Nolan and Stefan Payne. Rothherham did equalise but the team drew on their character and got a winner in stoppage time, which meant all three points were heading back to Shropshire.
Despite getting that win, Towns form took a small dip. The next game was just three days later and Town were to travel away from home again to the home of Bury Football Club. The Shrews were to suffer only their second defeat in 18 games. A one nil loss at the hands of Greg Leigh in the second half wasn’t enough to take Shrewsbury away from the top spot.
The next game was a welcomed home fixture after two games away from The Montgomery Waters Meadow. The result wasn’t welcomed as Town suffered a third loss in quick succession at the hands of the visitors, Bradford City. The Bantams were fortunate as Aristote Nsiala made a mistake and scored an own goal in the second half. Wigan capitalised and replaced Town on the top spot on the league table.
That game capped off a disappointing month for Town as they suffered two losses and one win in the league, which saw Hurst’s men fall from their perch into second place. Although the month didn’t prove to be a major success, the relegation favourites would be pleased with the near immaculate start to the season where they seemed destined for a dogfight.