First point is revered by Shrews boss Askey
JOHN Askey believes a first win of the season for Shrewsbury is moving closer after watching his team put their first point of the season on the board from a goalless draw with Blackpool.
Askey, who replaced Paul Hurst as manager in the summer, saw his side create the game’s better chances, but there was just no way through as Blackpool defended well.
Lenell John-Lewis and Greg Docherty, a midfielder on loan from Rangers, both went close, before Shrewsbury were denied a late breakthrough when visiting goalkeeper Mark Howard produced a fine save to frustrate Josh Laurent.
“I thought the performance was very good,” said Askey. “Again, we’ve created a lot of chances and probably restricted them to one chance, so regards the performance, really pleased.”
Askey, who handed a first start to experienced Anthony Grant, one of 15 signings, added: “I think if anyone came here and watched they would have thought that we deserved to win the game, but if we keep performing like that then it won’t be long before we start winning games.
“There’s one or two you can see are getting better the more games they have and hopefully that’s the start, the one point, and then we start to move up the table.”
John-Lewis was unable to convert Shaun Whalley’s inviting cross, before Josh Laurent fired narrowly wide from 20 yards.
Alex Gilliead was next to go close, with an effort kept out by Howard at his near post. Docherty and Laurent were also just off target. Blackpool found chances hard to come by with Curtis Tilt’s header from a corner which was straight at Joel Coleman a rare save they forced from the Shrews keeper.
Laurent’s late effort was well saved by Howard before Docherty had a shot blocked in stoppage time.
Blackpool’s interim manager Terry McPhillips was impressed with how his side defended.
He said: “I thought the score was fair. I thought they were the better team first half. I thought we were slightly stronger in the second half.”
McPhillips added: “I thought we defended brilliantly. I think they did get that one break where Whalley went through, so all in all I’m really pleased.”