Shrewsbury Town

Lewis Poole reflects on the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One Season

After two near perfect stellar months, Town were looking strong sitting on the top spot, already having amassed a healthy 29 points from a 11 games but the grind didn’t stop there for Paul Hurst’s men.

The first game of the month was the next step on Town's Checkatrade trophy game. Town had to prepare for the visit of West Bromwich Albion’s Under 23’s side. The Shrews made easy work of the game and secured a win by three goals to zero. Goals from Lenell John-Lewis, Carlton Morris and Louis Dodds secured the win from a positive performance against the Premier League side’s under-23 team.

The next fixture that Hurst and Chris Doig had to mull over next was the visit to Salop rivals Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. With bragging rights and vital points at steak the Town fans were gearing up for a big day in the clubs season. Town continued their un-beatable form but didn’t seal all three points from the Saddlers. Another show of character and game management was put on display as Stefan Payne once again notched a goal but this time it was to bring Town back from a one-goal deficit. Despite not getting the win, the Town faithful could be proud and feeling positive for the games ahead.

That next game was the long journey down to Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park on the following Saturday. Plymouth were marooned at the bottom of the table only having gathered five points. Town struggled to capitalise on Argyle’s poor form and would have been disappointed to only come away with a draw, although the un-beaten run was to continue.

The next game was back in familiar territory as Town welcomed the visit of Bristol Rovers. This fixture provided a golden opportunity for the squad to put on a performance following on from two previous draws. The team did just that! Giving the fans their monies worth and beating the Bristol side by four goals. Goal scorers included Alex Rodman. Carlton Morris, John Nolan and Junior Brown. The win put Salop two points ahead of the advancing Wigan Athletic.

A short wait for football action saw Hurst’s men only wait until the following Tuesday to get back out on the pitch. Another home game was welcomed to The Montgomery Waters Meadow, this time it was the visit of Fleetwood Town. Town capitalised on the quick turnaround and used their momentum to get passed The Cod Army with another goal from defence in the shape of Toto Nsiala. This result was sure to frustrate The Latics as Town remained two points ahead of the pack.

It was a full week of training and recuperation until Town had their next game. A trip to Peterborough saw Salop face Peterborough United. This was to be the game that ended Towns remarkable 15 games unbeaten. Peterborough sent The Shrews packing and caught Town off guard as they got a one nil win through striker James Madison at The London Road Stadium. Despite losing the game Town remained one point above Wigan in first place.

Despite having another great month winning and drawing two games, the Town players would be frustrated as the next league game wouldn’t arrive until the latter stages of November due to the international break.