SHREWS SHOW THEIR FOUR-CE
SHREWSBURY boss Paul Hurst believes his players recaptured the underdog spirit that has served them well this season after their fourth away win on the bounce, at Charlton.
The promotion-chasing Shrews – who also missed a penalty – were dominant throughout, with Alex Rodman’s wonder strike and Omar Beckles’ bullet-header giving them a deserved victory.
It was a result that kept the visitors in the automatic promotion places and a performance that Hurst believes was the best he’s seen from his players in some time.
“I’m delighted; we looked a good team again,” he said.
“It’s the best we’ve played in a little while; probably going into the game as underdogs and in front of a big crowd.
“To come here and win without too many arguments and missing a penalty as well was very, very pleasing.
“We wanted to have our own spells on the ball and we did that which made it very difficult for Charlton.”
That “big crowd” Hurst spoke of was Charlton’s largest of the season, inspired by all adult tickets being available for £5, but they were given very little to cheer about despite a flying start.
Shrewsbury goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept out efforts from Josh Magennis and Joe Aribo in the first few minutes but the visitors were soon in total control.
Charlton’s Ezri Konsa brought down Jon Nolan, whose penalty was then saved by Ben Amos. The midfielder had a chance on the rebound but headed against the bar.
The visitors came out flying after the break and took the lead with Rodman’s screamer from the left edge of the area.
As frustrations and grumblings echoed around the Valley, Hurst’s men capitalised and doubled their lead 15 minutes later thanks to Beckles’ header from Shaun Whalley’s corner.
Shrewsbury could have had a couple more if Nolan and Whalley put away simple efforts from inside the penalty area, too.
Just as the game looked to be heading towards a quiet finish, a late challenge by Charlton’s Ahmed Kashi on Shrewsbury captain Abu Ogogo sparked a mass brawl which saw him and teammate Magennis pick up yellow cards.
And Charlton boss Karl Robinson was visibly disappointed.
“We didn’t stick to a gameplan,” he fumed. “Every single player lost their one versus one duels. “Our gameplan was to be more aggressive going forwards and get behind them. They’re a very high pressing team but they leave massive gaps in behind.
“I hold my hands up, we were nowehere near good enough but I know exactly the reasons why – the players didn’t do what we asked them to do.”
CHARLTON: (4-2-3-1): Amos 7, Solly 6, Konsa 5, Pearce 6, Dasilva 5 (Ajose 72 5), Kashi 6, Forster-Caskey 6, Marshall 5 (Fosu 57 6), Aribo 6, Kaikai 5 (Zyro 90 N/A), Magennis 6 Subs not used: MaynardBrewer, Jackson, Bauer, Reeves SHREWSBURY: (4-1-4-1): Henderson 6, Bolton 5 (Hendrie 10 7), Nsiala 7, Sadler 8, Beckles 8, Godfrey 7, Whalley 7, Nolan 7, Ogogo 8, Rodman 8, Morris 7 (John-Lewis 90 N/A) Subs not used: McGillivray, Thomas, Morris, Eisa, Payne