Relief for Cotterill as Shrews end rough run
STEVE Cotterill was delighted on many levels as Shrewsbury got their first win in nine League outings with victory over former side Burton.
In a game of few real chances, Town deserved the victory as they moved clear of the bottom four.
Daniel Udoh was wasteful on the counter-attack midway through the half cutting inside, but blazing an effort well wide of the far post.
But the Shrews took the lead when they capitalised on a set-piece routine when Tom Bloxham helped steer Elliott Bennett’s corner into the net after 35 minutes.
Albion looked to be having the better of the second half until Shrewsbury doubled their lead, Matt Pennington pouncing from close range when Burton keeper Ben Garratt failed to hang on to George Nurse’s 25yard effort.
Udoh was close to a third for Town, but his dipping effort dropped just over the bar whilst Burton substitute Oumar Niasse had two headed chances to get Burton back in the game but failed to hit the target with either.
“I am pleased for our players” said Cotterill. “I am pleased for our supporters and pleased for everyone connected with the football club because we have had eight league games where we haven’t won.
“But we have deserved to win quite a few of those games and it just doesn’t go your way.
“It is a case of staying level headed and believe that you are doing the right things.
“It was a very disciplined and hard-working performance today. Very methodical in everything we did, both in the prep before the game and the game itself. If you are not right when you come to Burton Albion you will find out in the first 10 minutes.”
Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was left frustrated at a home display that has been too common this season where his side have failed to follow up good results with a second and felt his side lacked energy after an intense run of games.
“To be honest, we have had a couple here, as well as away.” Hasselbaink reflected. “We have lost too many games here and drawn too many against teams beneath us in the table – teams that if we want to achieve something we should look to beat.”