TOTO CAPS OFF A PERFECT YEAR
ALAST-GASP headed goal from Aristote Nsiala was the perfect gift to celebrate Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst’s year in charge.
In Hurst’s 12 months at Montgomery Waters Meadow he and assistant Chris Doig have guided the Shrews from the bottom of League One to the top – a position they maintained thanks to a late strike from ‘Toto’.
This was Shrewsbury’s firstever victory over Fleetwood but it was hard fought as the Cod Army had come to play on the back foot and take a point.
“I always knew it wouldn’t be the prettiest of games, but at times you have to roll your sleeves up, keep hammering away and be patient,” said Hurst.
“Fleetwood defended very well, nine, sometimes ten men behind the ball. But we told the players at half-time to remain focused and keep attacking.
“Fortunately our pressure paid off. We have made a lot of changes at the club since we came here a year ago. I’m very happy with the culture we have created at the club, the reaction of the players who are always willing to learn, the backing of supporters and board.
“It’s my job to ensure we continue the progress.”
Shrewsbury had the better of a first half played in blustery conditions. Theywere neat and methodical in their approach work but could find no end product to their endeavours.
The Shrews were given their first clue that Fleetwood were going to be a problem when, against the run of play, Amari’i Bell’s curling effort was gathered by on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Minutes later, an error by James Bolton let in Conor McAleny whose low effort was blocked by the legs of a suddenly-busy Henderson.
For all Shrewsbury’s domination, the nearest they came to a first-half lead was Alex Rodman’s volley, which flashed inches wide.
The home side pickedup the same script after the break and dominated the second period.
Fleetwood played with just Devante Cole up front which allowed the hosts to remain on the front foot and attack.
With Junior Ogogo the hub around which almost every Shrewsbury attack revolved, the Cod Army’s torturer-inchief played a significant role in the crucial goal.
Ogogo’s driving run forward won a corner on the right.
Shaun Whalley’s far post ball was met by defender Nsiala whose looping header found the top left corner of Alex Cairn’s net.
“This is a difficult place to come and get anything, “said Fleetwood manager Uwe Rosler.
“I thought both teams played well.
“We did a lot of things right defensively and thought we deserved something. “In the end it is just a lapse of concentration in our own penalty area that has cost us the game.”