Jerome’s ‘moment of magic’ seals deal
MARK Duffy left it late to lift Burton up to third in League One but boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was quick to highlight the influence of Jerome Binnom-Williams.
A tight game at the Greenhous Meadow looked destined to end goalless until Burton stole the points in the last minute.
The Brewers had rarely threatened until substitute Binnom-Williams powered his way forward down the left and broke into the box before crossing low and hard for Duffy to turn in from close range.
It sealed a fourth win in five league games for Hasselbaink’s men who continue to enjoy an impressive start to life in the third tier.
“We stuck at it and we got rewarded,” said Hasselbaink.
“It was brilliant play by Jerome for the goal. He’s fresh, he can run at people, he’s got that pace. The win is very pleasing.
“You’re waiting for a moment of magic from whoever’s on the pitch, on your side, and that can decide the game. I think that’s what it was with Jerome.”
Shrewsbury were left to contemplate a third defeat in as many home games this season since gaining promotion from League Two as runners-up to Burton in May.
Micky Mellon’s men carried a greater threat for long stages but a finishing touch deserted them.
Mellon said: “I think anybody that was here would have to say it’s very harsh us going away with nothing.
“I think Burton would have to say that they would count their blessings that they’re going away with three points after that.”
A tight opening saw few chances until Burton forced the game’s first save from Jayson Leutwiler.
Big striker Timmy Thiele broke into the box but was well denied by the legs of the advancing home keeper.
Shrewsbury upped the tempo as half-time approached. They were twice out of luck when long-range shots from left wing back Junior Brown came back off the woodwork with keeper Jon McLaughlin beaten.
James Collins also screwed a shot just beyond the far post and skipper Liam Lawrence fired just over from 25 yards.
Shrewsbury, having taken Crystal Palace to extra time in the Capital One Cup in midweek, continued to push for a breakthrough after the restart.
But Ryan Woods drilled a long-range shot just off target and then Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro headed a corner wide.
Mellon added: “We’re in a tough place at the minute where things don’t seem to be going for us and it’s at these times that you show character and you have to try and put it behind you and move on as quickly as you can.”