Callum McKenzie reflects on Town's 4-2 win over Preston North End
Shrewsbury Town picked up their first win of 2019 after beating Preston 4-1, courtesy of two goals by Jack Leask and one each for Lifumpa Mwandwe and Reiss Corfield.
The away side reacted well to going behind early in the first half and managed to end the half level, before scoring three in the second half and Callum McKenzie has found it difficult to find anything wrong with their performance.
“I thought we started the game really well. I thought we were excellent in possession and out of possession.
“We created a lot of chances and we didn’t concede too many. Probably if I’m being really critical of anything, it would be that we didn’t score more goals.”
Town only conceded one goal but McKenzie has admitted that it was “definitely avoidable”.
“I think we were just a little bit open at the back. I think maybe we were guilty of overplaying a little bit and should’ve just hit a channel.
“Yeah they nicked it and we were a little bit open through the centre halves and the lad finished it will to be fair but definitely avoidable.”
Defender Tom Davies has started the last two games from the bench as he makes his comeback from injury, and his return has handed a boost to the team.
“It is a big boost. Kian Taylor has been playing at centre half as a midfielder player. Edan Sears who is an under 16 has been playing there with him for the past few weeks and has done really really well.
“But Tom coming back will be a big boost and we’ve got Luke Ward back next week from suspension. He’s been out for the last three weeks so we’re starting to get bodies back and starting to feel like ourselves again.”
On Tuesday night, captain James Rowland and goalkeeper Sam Agius travelled with the first team as substitutes in their 3-2 FA Cup victory over Stoke City and Callum McKenzie has spoken about the confidence it will bring for the rest of the team.
“I think they can see that there is an opportunity there if they play well. James had a start against Port Vale a week or so ago and got Man of the Match which was pleasing.
“Again not just for the players but for the staff as well, it gives us a boost. I think you could see that today. I think James was his normal self and Sam looked really confident today and I think it wouldn’t have done them any harm whatsoever.”