Callum McKenzie reflects on Town’s 5-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic
After picking up their first victory of 2019 last week, Shrewsbury Town were unable to earn back to back wins after succumbing to a 5-0 defeat by the Youth Alliance League leaders on Saturday.
Wigan Athletic are still unbeaten in the league this season, and Callum McKenzie admits that his side “were beaten by the better team.”
“I thought we were beaten by the better team. I thought they were a bit more streetwise than us, more physical and more aggressive. They were clinical. I don’t think any of their goals were really well worked on their behalf; they were gifted to them a little bit by us.
“I must say that they are a big, strong physical team. Anything they put in the box is going to be difficult for us to deal with. First contacts I think we could have been a little bit better with.
“No real complaints, they were just better than us today.”
Shrewsbury Town were also defeated by Wigan 2-1 earlier in the season, and McKenzie has spoken about both performances.
“I think we were probably a little bit more competitive up there. I thought first half they were a little bit better than us but I think the first goal was disappointing. I think we could have dealt with it a little better.
“But going in at 1-0 at half time I thought we were still in the game, but then of course we concede with the last kick of the first half from a set piece, which we have spoken a lot about leading into the game.
“It was just a lack of concentration and of course it’s a mountain to climb in the second half. It was similar in some respects but I thought we were disappointing without the ball today.”
Town were forced into two substitutions they didn’t want to make with captain James Rowland making way for Lewis Redding in the first half and Luke Ward, who made his start since December, came off early in the second half.
“I think James has just jarred his knee a little bit.
“And that’s Luke’s first start for six or seven weeks so we were pre-empting that he was going to come off at some stage. But I don’t think it’s anything serious with Luke; it’ll be just a bit of tiredness.”
Shrewsbury next face Macclesfield Town away in a fortnight’s time and McKenzie has expressed how the team will prepare for the game.
“We will be working hard as the boys always do. It’s a shame we’ve got a weekend off next week because you want to have another game as quickly as possible and get this one out of their system.
“We finished the game with six first years and two Under 16’s and I think that showed. Not because they’re not good players, it’s because as I’ve said Wigan are just very physical and athletic.
“I thought they overrun us a little bit. But I think we will be better next year.”