Town earn a point after a 0-0 game with Fleetwood Town
Town: Steve Arnold, Ryan Haynes, Mat Sadler, Greg Docherty, Fejiri Okenabirhie, James Bolton, Aaron Amadi-Holloway (Lee Angol, 56), Luke Waterfall, Josh Laurent, Ollie Norburn, Anthony Grant (Alex Gilliead, 45).
Subs: Joel Coleman, Josh Emmanuel, Omar Beckles, Lee Angol, Lenell John-Lewis, Alex Gilliead, Ryan Sears.
Fleetwood: Alex Cairns, Lewie Coyle, Ashley Eastham, Wes Burns, Ched Evans (Conor McAleny, 80), Paddy Madden, Craig Morgan, Ross Wallace (Ashley Hunter, 71), James Husband, Harrison Biggins, James Wallace (Nathan Sheron, 80).
Subs: Paul Jones, Jason Holt, Kyle Dempsey, Conor McAleny, Cian Bolger, Ashley Hunter, Nathan Sheron.
Referee: Alan Young
Assistants: Chris Husband and Matthew Jones
Fourth official: Joe Simpson
Attendance: 5919 (109|)
The game came to an end with the score 0-0 at the final whistle. Neither team were able to take lead and secure all three points.
A good defensive display by the Town back four ensured the visitors were unable to break the Shrews down.
Team News:
Sam Ricketts made two changes to Town’s line up to face Fleetwood Town. Alex Gilliead and Lenell John-Lewis were both restored to the bench as Aaron Amadi-Holloway and Fejiri Okenabirhie both returned to the starting 11.
First Half:
Town came into this game looking to build on the solid start that sparked in Sunderland. The first 15 minutes had both teams fighting for the ball but Town were the side looking most comfortable.
Town were having half chances but nothing to cause the Cod Army back four too much stress. Aaron Amadi-Holloway looked sharp and constantly looked to pressurise the visitors back line. His link up play with Fejiri Okenabirhie also got off to a positive start.
James Bolton received a yellow card in the 30th minute for a challenge on Paddy Madden down the left wing.
Town had a great chance in the 33rd minute to break the deadlock in the game. A counter-attack sparked by great interception from Bolton saw Josh Laurent in a few yards of space on the edge of the Fleetwood box, but the midfielders effort was lashed wide of the post.
The half drew to a close with goalmouth action limited. Neither team were able to convincingly beat the defence to get an effort on goal. Town looked good in possession and never looked troubled with or without the ball.
Second Half:
Town started the second half with a more attacking impetus. Bolton came close to notching a goal just three minutes into the half. The defender found himself just inside the box to let off a shot, but his effort dragged just wide of post.
Town were putting the visitors under pressure as the half progressed towards the last 30 minutes. Second-half substitutions have Town that extra energy up top and made Fleetwood look uncomfortable – especially on the wings.
Alex Gilliead came agonisingly close to giving Town the lead in the 67th minute after a winding run. His long-range effort was driven just wide of the post.
Town were awarded a free-kick after the winger was tackled as he let off his shot but Ryan Haynes saw his effort hit the wall.
Luke Waterfall was given a yellow card in the 81st minute for a challenge in the middle of the park.
Steve Arnold had to make a critical save as the half was drawing to a close. Fleetwood saw the ball fall to them in the box, which put Wes Burns through on goal. Arnold cam storming from his line and averted any danger by grabbing a hold of the ball.
The game came to an end with the scores the same as they started. Neither team were able to take the lead and the points were shared.