Shrewsbury Town boss Steve Cotterill spoke to the media after today’s defeat at home to Oxford United.
Town started very well but were caught on the counter-attack and went behind in the 11th minute after Matty Taylor swept home the opening goal of the game.
Ryan Bowman popped up with the equaliser on the hour mark after he turned Elliott Bennett’s low cross into the net.
But, in the 81st minute, Oxford were awarded a penalty and Cameron Brannagan stepped up to score the winner.
Cotterill discussed the game but was also full of praise for Josh Vela, Elliott Bennett, and Shaun Whalley.
On the game:
“I’m not sure we did ourselves justice in the first half; we were okay. I wouldn’t say we deserved to lose the game, I think the chances in the second half that we created were good but we didn’t take them and we’ve got to take those opportunities when we get back to 1-1. I think it was more than we deserved and I think the game was there to go on and win it then. I’m not convinced it was a penalty, I think the lad gets around Elliott [Bennett] and he steps back into him and sticks his leg out and that’s how he’s got the penalty.
“It’s a great goal, I’m really pleased with that. I’m just disappointed we didn’t get another one because there’s no point scoring a great goal and then getting beaten. I’d rather score two scrappy ones and win the game but that wasn’t the case today.
“I’m happy for any of our boys when they score goals and I’m disappointed for them when they miss chances. Of course, I’m pleased for him and he had another chance after that but I think Benno [Elliott Bennett] has to swing his leg at that one himself when he gets that close. I don’t think there’s a need for an extra pass there and then Ryan has to take a touch because it’s behind him and then he has to put it high so it doesn’t get blocked on the line. He’s taken one of his two chances today so I’m pleased for him on that but obviously just disappointed with the result.”
On the link-up play between Josh Vela and Elliott Bennett:
“I think that was why I probably went with Josh because Tom [Bloxham] hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s a young boy who is going to be in and out of the team but that connection they have down the right-wing is always very good. Josh will be better for having that game today; I thought it was a bit of a slow burner for him and he got more into it in the second half.”
On Shaun Whalley making his 250th appearance for the club:
“I knew that [he was on his 250th appearance] the week leading up to when he got injured so yeah, he’s had to wait a long while for that so congratulations to him on 250 appearances for the club because it’s a good milestone.”
